sophistry

n. a style of argumentation designed not to arrive at truth but to persuade others that one’s position is correct. This is generally accomplished by careful strategic use of language and the skillful use of fallacious arguments (see fallacy). For example, one common type of sophistry is to represent the other’s point of view as more extreme and less plausible than it really is and then attack the extreme version of the position and show that it is wrong. A particular instance of sophistry is called a sophism. The term comes from the Sophists, a group of itinerant teachers in Greece in the 5th century bce who taught and practiced rhetoric.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

gender differences

typical differences between men and women that are specific to a particular culture and influenced by its attitudes and practices. Gender differences emerge in a variety of domains, such as careers, communication, and interpersonal relationships. See also sex differences.