Definitions by Suhcnele

Dialectic

The kind of logic that reasons from commonly accepted opinions to probable conclusions. It is distinguished from Analytic, which reasons from true and primary premises.

Dialectic is the generic name of the logic that governs the Socratic Method.

Dialectic by Suhcnele February 23, 2011

Peirastic

1. (adj.) That which is to be examined, tested, or otherwise tried.

2. (n.) The species of dialectic that examines the opinions of a person to determine whether they are consistent.

Peirastic is the specific name of the logic that governs the Socratic Method. When misused by contentious debaters it deteriorates into eristic.

Socrates reputedly used peirastic to expose the ignorance of social authorities.

Peirastic by Suhcnele February 23, 2011

Eristic 

A kind of contentious reasoning that seeks to appear victorious in disputation, without regard for truth. It is distinguished from sophistic because it is not concerned with appearing wise, only with seeming victorious in disputation.

The following are some well-known eristic arguments taken from Aristotle's On Sophistical Refutations.

Eristic argument 1. There is sight of what is seen. The pillar is seen. Therefore, the pillar has sight.

Eristic argument 2. Whatever you profess-to-be, that you profess-to-be. You profess a stone to-be. Therefore, you profess-to-be a stone.

Eristic by Suhcnele August 29, 2010

Definition 

An account of a thing's essence. A thing's definition consists of its genus and differentia.

What is the definition of "man"?
"Man is a rational animal." Animal is the genus, and rational is the differentia.

Definition by Suhcnele August 2, 2010

Deipnosophy 

The art of intelligent dinner conversation. It is rarely found outside the context of upper-class social gatherings.

Dinner guest 1: "I would rather not say whether the quip of the porter surpasses the form of our host."

Dinner guest 2: "Indeed. I fear the latter's form is at least twice the product of the former's style."

Dinner guest 1: "Quite so."

(Both feign laughter)

Dinner guest 3: (thinking to himself) "For all their eloquent deipnosophy, the product of their combined creativity is an elaborate fat joke. How sad."

Deipnosophy by Suhcnele July 31, 2010