Legal Definitions - reductio ad absurdum

Definition: Reductio ad absurdum is a Latin term that means "reduction to the absurd." It is a logical method of disproving an argument by showing that it leads to a ridiculous or absurd conclusion.

Example: Let's say someone argues that all cats are black. To disprove this argument using reductio ad absurdum, we can show that it leads to an absurd conclusion. If all cats are black, then a white cat cannot exist. However, we know that white cats do exist, so the argument that all cats are black is false.

Another example: Someone argues that the earth is flat. To disprove this argument using reductio ad absurdum, we can show that it leads to an absurd conclusion. If the earth is flat, then people on opposite sides of the earth would be able to see each other. However, we know that this is not possible, so the argument that the earth is flat is false.

These examples illustrate how reductio ad absurdum can be used to disprove an argument by showing that it leads to a conclusion that is clearly false or absurd.