Reductio ad absurdum
| Literal meaning | Reduction to absurdity |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | reh-DUK-tee-oh ad ab-SUR-dum |
An argument that shows a claim is wrong because it leads to an absurd result.
Example
If every act that harms a rival by competition were unlawful, all trade would be unlawful. This shows the claim is wrong.
Case laws
- Quinn v. Leathem (1901), House of Lords: Lord Halsbury used this kind of argument against the idea that all competition is malicious.
Exam tip
Asked as a form of legal argument.
Memory trick
Follow it to the silly end.
Key takeaway
An argument is shown wrong when it leads to an absurd result.
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