indirect argument
[/ɪnˈdɪrekt ˈɑːrɡjumənt/]
nounpl: indirect arguments
argumento indireto
1. A line of reasoning that proves a statement by demonstrating that its negation leads to a contradiction or absurdity (also known as proof by contradiction or reductio ad absurdum)
The mathematician used an indirect argument to prove that the square root of 2 is irrational by assuming it was rational and reaching a contradiction.
O matemático usou um argumento indireto para provar que a raiz quadrada de 2 é irracional, assumindo que era racional e chegando a uma contradição.
2. A form of persuasion or debate that makes a point without explicitly stating it, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions
Rather than directly criticizing the policy, the speaker made an indirect argument by highlighting its unintended consequences.
Em vez de criticar diretamente a política, o orador fez um argumento indireto destacando suas consequências não intencionais.
The term 'indirect argument' is primarily used in academic contexts, particularly in mathematics, philosophy, and formal logic. Both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese employ the same terminology. This rhetorical and logical technique has ancient roots in classical argumentation and remains fundamental to mathematical proofs and philosophical discourse in both English and Portuguese-speaking academic communities.
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