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Webster 1913 Edition

Sophism

Soph′ism

,
Noun.
[F.
sophisme
, L.
sophisma
, fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to make wise, [GREEK] to be become wise, to play the sophist, fr. [GREEK] wise.]
The doctrine or mode of reasoning practiced by a sophist; hence, any fallacy designed to deceive.
When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a
sophism
, or “fallacy”.
I. Watts.
Let us first rid ourselves of
sophisms
, those of depraved men, and those of heartless philosophers.
I. Taylor.

Webster 1828 Edition

Sophism

SOPH'ISM

,
Noun.
[L. sophisma.] A specious but fallacious argument; asubtilty in reasoning; an argument that is not supported by sound reasoning , or in which the inference is not justly deduced from the premises. When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a sophism or fallacy.

Definition 2024

sophism

sophism

English

Noun

sophism ‎(plural sophisms)

  1. A method of teaching using the techniques of philosophy and rhetoric
  2. (slang) A flawed argument, superficially correct in its reasoning, usually designed to deceive.
  3. (slang) An intentional fallacy.
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Translations

Etymology 2

Noun

sophism ‎(uncountable)

  1. Archaic spelling of Sufism.[1]

References

  1. ↑ sofi, sophism in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Etymology

From Ancient Greek σοφισμός ‎(sophismós, “wisdom, learnedness”), derived from σοφία ‎(sophía, “wisdom, learning”) +‎ -ism. The English definition of Sophism was corrupted after Plato condemned Greek sophists who charged for their personal rhetorics, often giving fallacious and deceptive reasoning for young noblemen seeking political office.

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