Attempting to show that a statement is false by proving that it logically implies something that is clearly false or absurd is known as _____.
A) reducing to the absurd ( reductio ad absurdum)
B) conditional disproof
C) false entailment
D) refutation by counterexample

Question

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Reducing to the absurd, or reductio ad absurdum, is a classical method of argumentation used to demonstrate that a statement is false by showing that it logically leads to a contradiction or an absurdity. This technique assumes the statement to be true and then draws a conclusion that contradicts the original assumption or known facts, thereby proving the initial statement to be false.

Attempting to Show That a Statement Is False by Proving