Soph"ism (?), n. [F. sophisme, L. sophisma, fr. Gr. , fr. to make wise, to be become wise, to play the sophist, fr. 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 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.