Argument by contradiction
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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