Difference between revisions of "Argument by contradiction"

From Issuepedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(more examples; simplified the longer example)
("we don't believe...")
Line 13: Line 13:
 
* "Studies show that you're wrong.": [[argument from authority]], unless data from those studies is introduced
 
* "Studies show that you're wrong.": [[argument from authority]], unless data from those studies is introduced
 
* "I don't accept your hypothesis.": simple contradiction with larger words
 
* "I don't accept your hypothesis.": simple contradiction with larger words
 +
* "We don't believe this is true.": argument from authority sprinkled lightly with [[appeal to common belief]]

Revision as of 14:04, 7 August 2011

About

Argument by contradiction is any form of argument in which the arguer simply re-asserts that their position is true. It is often accompanied by some form of prop to make it seem more substantial, in which case it is a form of rhetorical deception.

As Monty Python once observed:

An argument is a connected series of statements to establish a definite proposition. ... It isn't just saying "no it isn't"!

Examples

  • "No, you're wrong.": simple contradiction, unless followed by an explanation
  • "Studies show that you're wrong.": argument from authority, unless data from those studies is introduced
  • "I don't accept your hypothesis.": simple contradiction with larger words
  • "We don't believe this is true.": argument from authority sprinkled lightly with appeal to common belief