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reductio

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun reductio has 1 sense
  1. reductio ad absurdum, reductio - (reduction to the absurd) a disproof by showing that the consequences of the proposition are absurd; or a proff of a proposition by showing that its negation leads to a contradiction
    --1 is a kind of disproof, falsification, refutation

Definitions from the Web

Reductio

Noun

1. A method of proving the truth or falsity of a proposition by assuming its opposite and then showing that such an assumption leads to a contradiction.

Example: In mathematics, reductio is often used as a logical technique to demonstrate the validity of a theorem. For instance, a reductio argument could involve assuming that a statement is false, and then through a series of logical deductions, proving that the statement must be true.

Noun

2. The process of reducing something to its simplest or most essential form.

Example: In scientific research, reductio is used to break down complex phenomena into basic principles, allowing for a clearer understanding and analysis.

Noun

3. A rhetorical device in which an argument or position is intentionally taken to an extreme, often to illustrate its implications or flaws.

Example: Using reductio as a debating tactic, the speaker exaggerated the opponent's viewpoint to absurdity, exposing the weaknesses in their argument.

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