Philosophical Argumentation Terms

noun the act or process of placing in contrast or opposition

• In logic, contraposition is a valid form of argument that involves switching the subject and predicate of a conditional statement.
• Contraposition basically means flipping the parts of a 'if-then' statement around to make a new statement.
• Contraposition is like doing a switcheroo with the parts of a sentence to make a different sentence.
• Just like how contraposition in logic involves rearranging statements, sometimes in life we need to change our perspective to see things differently.

verb to prove (a statement, theory, or belief) to be incorrect or false

• The scientist conducted a series of experiments to disprove the theory.
• She tried to disprove his claim but couldn't find any evidence to support her argument.
• I bet you can't disprove that crazy conspiracy theory floating around.
• No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't disprove the rumors about his past.

adjective characterized by vague or exaggerated gestures or language, especially to avoid addressing an issue or problem directly

• The speaker's argument was dismissed as being too handwavy and lacking concrete evidence.
• Don't give me that handwavy explanation, I want to know the real facts.
• Stop being so handwavy and just tell me the truth.
• His promises were as handwavy as a mirage in the desert.