"Reductio ad Absurdium" is a form of logical argumentation that aims to disprove a statement or belief by showing that it leads to absurd or contradictory conclusions.
In this form of argumentation, a person starts by assuming that a statement or belief is true. They then use logical reasoning to show that if the statement is true, it leads to absurd or contradictory results. This demonstrates that the original statement cannot be true.
The purpose of using this type of argument is to expose the flaws or contradictions in a statement or belief. It can be used to challenge the validity of an argument and encourage critical thinking and logical reasoning.
A classic example of "Reductio ad Absurdium" is the proof that the square root of 2 is an irrational number. By assuming the opposite, that the square root of 2 is a rational number, and using logical reasoning, one can show that this leads to absurd results, such as contradicting the fundamental laws of mathematics.
While "Reductio ad Absurdium" can be a powerful tool in exposing flaws in an argument, it should not be used as the sole basis for disproving a statement or belief. It is important to also consider other evidence and logical reasoning in forming a conclusion.
