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Refuting, as a basic rhetorical mode, has been formalized within the
arrangement of the classical oration (see Arrangement: Refutation).
It is also realized as a general mode of argumentation within certain
topics of invention (The Impossible,
Contradiction,
Law).
Within rhetorical pedagogy, refutation has itself been a standard preliminary
exercise (see Pedagogy: The Progymnasmata: Refutation),
and is part of more advanced argumentation in which both sides of an issue
are debated (see Progymnasmata: Thesis
or Theme and in utrumque
partes).
Of course refuation can happen generally and specifically in a variety
of circumstances, as illustrated by the following figures specific to
refuting, rejecting, or denying:
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- accismus
A feigned refusal of that which is earnestly desired.
- anthypophora
One asks and then immediately
answers one's own questions (or raises and then settles imaginary objections)
- anticategoria
A retort in which one turns the very accusation made by one's adversary
back against him.
- antirrhesis
Rejecting reprehensively the opinion or authority of someone.
- apodioxis (rejectio)
Rejecting of someone or something (such as the adversary's argument)
as being impertinent, needless, absurd, false, or wicked.
- apophasis / expeditio
The rejection of several reasons why a thing should or should not be
done and affirming a single one, considered most valid.
- diasyrmus
Rejecting an argument through ridiculous comparison.
- dicaeologia
Admitting what's charged against one, but excusing it by necessity.
- elenchus
A logical refutation.
- erotema
To affirm or deny a point strongly by asking it as a question.
- excitatio
To excite an audience, especially out of a stupor or boredom, using
(among other proposed strategies) a digression that denies or prohibits
something.
- litotes
Deliberate understatement, often achieved by way of denying the opposite
of something.
- metastasis
Denying and turning back on your adversaries arguments used against
you.
- procatalepsis
Refuting anticipated objections.
Related Topics of Invention
See Also
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