If you assume that a set of statements is true, and yet you can deduce a false or absurd statement from it, then the original set of statements as a whole must be false. This kind of argument is known as
A) modus tollens.
B) modus ponens.
C) hypothetical syllogism.
D) reductio ad absurdum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is the definition of "reductio ad absurdum," a logical argument where you assume a statement to be true and then show that this assumption leads to an absurd or contradictory conclusion, thereby proving the original statement to be false.

If You Assume That a Set of Statements Is True