Explanation
Elenchus takes a claim seriously enough to follow its path of thought. Assumptions are made explicit, consequences are traced, and contradictions are demonstrated rather than merely alleged. Its negative movement may lead to aporia and thereby force a new beginning.
Example
If every good map must be complete, yet no map can contain every detail, the criterion of completeness fails.
Counterexample
That does not convince me. Rejection without examination is not an elenchus.
Distinction
Distinguish it from mere contradiction: elenchus follows reasons and consequences. Distinguish it from confutatio: confutatio is a section of discourse; elenchus is a possible testing movement within it.
Effect on thought and perception
Shifts attention from the authority of a statement to the soundness of its inferential path.
Resonance
A thought is heard back along its own path until its resilience or point of fracture becomes audible.
Etymology
Greek elenchus · testing, demonstration, refutation
Provenance
Oxford glossary → HWRh cross-check where available → movement-of-thought analysis → ATLAS 235
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Elenchus“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-OXD-0002. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-OXD-0002The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.