Sophistry: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
sophistry
[ หsษfษชstrษช ]
philosophical argument
Sophistry refers to a method of reasoning or argumentation that is seemingly plausible but actually invalid or misleading. The term is often used to denote deceptive reasoning or fallacious arguments designed to persuade. Sophists, who were ancient Greek educators, were known for their ability to argue from any position, regardless of its truth. Today, the term carries a negative connotation, signaling a reliance on deception rather than sound logical principles.
Synonyms
deception, fallacy, rhetoric, subterfuge.
Examples of usage
- His argument was just a piece of sophistry.
- They employed sophistry to mislead the jury.
- Sophistry can often sound convincing at first glance.
- Be wary of sophistry in political debates.
Translations
Translations of the word "sophistry" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sofisma
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคซเคฟเคธเฅเคเฅ (เคธเฅเคซเคฟเคธเฅเคเฅเคฐเฅ)
๐ฉ๐ช Sofisterei
๐ฎ๐ฉ sofisme
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพััััะธะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ sofistyka
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฉญๅผ (ใในใ)
๐ซ๐ท sophisme
๐ช๐ธ sofisma
๐น๐ท sofizma
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํผ์คํธ๋ฆฌ (์ํผ์คํธ๋ฆฌ)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณูุณุทุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ sofistika
๐ธ๐ฐ sofistika
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏก่พฉ (guวbiร n)
๐ธ๐ฎ sofistika
๐ฎ๐ธ sรณfismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพัะธััะธะบะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแคแแกแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sofistika
๐ฒ๐ฝ sofisma
Etymology
The term 'sophistry' originates from the Greek word 'sophistes', meaning a wise man or a skilled teacher. In ancient Greece, sophists were philosophers and educators known for their rhetorical skill and ability to argue any position. While they played a crucial role in the development of critical thinking and rhetoric, they were also criticized for promoting relativism and manipulating truth for persuasive effect. This negative perception solidified in philosophical circles, particularly through the critiques of Plato and Aristotle, who viewed sophistry as an intellectual fraud that corrupted the pursuit of genuine knowledge. Over time, the term evolved to its contemporary meaning, highlighting the distinction between persuasive rhetoric and honest argumentation.