A type of legitimate, rational argument, by which a principle is disproven by demonstrating that it results in a contradiction, consequently making it absurd, or proven by demonstrating that its own negation results in a contradiction, and is thereby rendered absurd. Generally speaking, a compelling approach by which a conflicting position is offered in its worst or most extreme form, so that it may be discredited. Latin, literally translates to
REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM: “The debate team decided to practice reductio ad absurdum to refute the opposing team’s argument.”