sophism
UK: ˈsɒfɪzəm | US: ˈsɑːfɪzəm
n. a clever but false argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive
n. (historical) the skillful use of fallacious arguments, associated with the Sophists in ancient Greece
sophism = soph<wise> + ism<doctrine or practice>
- soph (from Greek sophos meaning "wise" or "skilled")
- ism (a suffix denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy)
Etymology Origin:
The term traces back to the Sophists, itinerant teachers in ancient Greece (5th century BCE) who taught rhetoric and philosophy. While "soph" originally connoted wisdom, the Sophists' reputation for using persuasive but logically dubious arguments led to the pejorative sense of "sophism" as deceptive reasoning. The suffix "-ism" formalizes it as a concept or practice.
His argument was pure sophism, designed to confuse rather than enlighten.
The politician’s speech relied on sophism to manipulate public opinion.
Ancient philosophers often criticized sophism for prioritizing persuasion over truth.
Detecting sophism requires careful logical analysis.
The debate coach warned students against using sophisms to win artificially.