reductio ad absurdum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. A straw man misrepresents an argument to make it easier to attack. A valid reductio ad absurdum fairly applies an argument's own logic to produce a genuine contradiction or absurdity, thus disproving it. However, a poorly executed reductio can resemble a straw man.

It's very formal, but the tactic is common. For example: 'If you think one late homework deserves detention, then by that logic, being one second late for class should too!' This is an informal reductio.

A slippery slope suggests one event will unavoidably lead to worse events, often fallaciously. A reductio ad absurdum demonstrates that the internal logic of a premise itself leads to an absurd or contradictory conclusion, invalidating the premise. The reductio is a logical test; the slippery slope is a predictive claim.

It is common, especially in formal writing, to italicize it as a foreign phrase (Latin). However, as it is quite established in English academic lexicon, not italicizing is also acceptable. Consistency within a document is key.

A method of proving a statement false by showing its logical consequences lead to a contradiction or absurd conclusion.

Reductio ad absurdum is usually formal, academic, philosophical, legal, technical argumentation in register.

Reductio ad absurdum: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌdʌktɪəʊ æd æbˈsɜːdəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌdʌkʃoʊ ˌæd æbˈsɝːdəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.