Reductio ad Absurdum Definition of Reductio ad Absurdum Reductio ad absurdum a Latin term which means to reduce something to absurdity. It is a figure of speech that is defined as a manner of arguing something in which one argues for his position by showing the absurdity of the position of his opponent. In simple words, it means to reduce an argument to absurdity by drawing the conclusions with logical limits or showing ridiculous consequences. Reductio ad absurdum in satires breaks down an idea to the point of absurdity. Difference between Reductio ad Absurdum and Appeal to Ridicule Reductio ad absurdum examples cannot be used as an appeal to ridicule examples. Though both devices are extensively used in satire, an appeal to ridicule is the use of ridiculing a situation without arguing or explanation; while, reductio ad absurdum pursues arguments and logical consequences. Examples of Reductio ad Absurdum from Literature Example #1 Five hours, (and who can do it less in?) By haughty Celia spent in dressing; The goddess from her chamber issues, Arrayed in lace, brocades and tissues. … Her ointments, daubs, and paints and creams, Her washes, slops, and every clout Such order from confusion sprung, Such gaudy tulips raised from dung. (The Ladies’ Dressing Room by Jonathan Swift) Swift uses reductio ad absurdum as a satirizing technique here. In this case, the purpose is to ridicule the duality of individuals in their private and public spheres. Example #2 I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom… cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.” (A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift) This is one of the famous examples of reductio ad absurdum in English literature. Here, Swift uses reductio ad absurdum by arguing about social conditions to its ridiculous lengths. This highlights a horrific situation of children. Example #3 ESTRAGON: That’s the idea, let’s ask each other questions….. “Nothing happens, nobody comes … nobody goes, it’s awful…. ESTRAGON: What did we do yesterday? VLADIMIR: What did we do yesterday? ESTRAGON: Yes. VLADIMIR: Why . . . (Angrily.) Nothing is certain when you’re about…. ESTRAGON: In my opinion we were here. (Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett) Estragon and Vladimir indulge themselves in useless and aimless activities. They talk, joke, rebuke, question and argue about the reason of their existence. This excerpt is full of reductio ad absurdum because characters push the conversation to extreme ridicule with argumentations. Example #4 The physician. Or when they are on a voyage, amid the perils of the sea? The pilot. And in what sort of actions or with a view to what result is the just man most able to do harm to his enemy and good to his friends? But when a man is well, my dear Polemarchus, there is no need of a physician? No. … Then in time of peace, justice will be of no use? I am very far from thinking so….. The strongest point of all has not been even mentioned, he replied. Well, then, according to the proverb, ‘Let brother help brother’ Adeimantus : Nonsense, he replied….. (The Republic by Plato) In this extract, Plato argues for justice – that men should be just. By using this technique, he ridicules the questions of other speakers. Adeimantus disagrees to the extreme of absurdity against Glaucon’s claims regarding people wanting to be unjust rather than just. Function of Reductio ad Absurdum Reductio ad absurdum makes a situation ridiculous or extremely absurd. Often, it used to point out the flaws of original claim which is untenable or false. It was exclusively employed in Greek philosophy. However, later on it was introduced in prose, philosophical and also in formal mathematical reasoning. Today, it is used mostly in informal debates. The purpose of using this technique is to expose the foolishness and ridiculous attitudes of original assumptions and behavior. However, there is a great danger that the readers might fail to recognize the objectives clearly.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 19:25:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015