ignoratio elenchi

[ ig-nuh-rey-shee-oh i-leng-kahy, -kee ]

nounLogic.
  1. the fallacy of offering proof irrelevant to the proposition in question.

Origin of ignoratio elenchi

1
1580–90; <Latin ignōrātiō elenchī literally, ignorance of the refutation; see elenchus

Words Nearby ignoratio elenchi

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British Dictionary definitions for ignoratio elenchi

ignoratio elenchi

/ (ˌɪɡnəˈreɪʃɪəʊ ɪˈlɛŋkaɪ) /


nounlogic
  1. a purported refutation of a proposition that does not in fact prove it false but merely establishes a related but strictly irrelevant proposition

  2. the fallacy of arguing in this way

Origin of ignoratio elenchi

1
Latin: an ignorance of proof, translating Greek elenchou agnoia

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