pseudoskeptical argument
- noun
- /ˌsuːdoʊˈskɛptɪkəl ˈɑːrɡjʊmənt/
- Formal
:
argumento pseudosceptico
- The debate was interrupted by a pseudoskeptical argument that dismissed all new data without consideration.
Examples
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Some online forums are flooded with pseudoskeptical arguments that only serve to shut down productive discussion.
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The debate was derailed by a pseudoskeptical argument that failed to engage with the evidence presented by the researchers.
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Her article identified common tactics used in a pseudoskeptical argument rather than promoting honest doubt.
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The article presented a pseudoskeptical argument against climate change.
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Many critics use pseudoskeptical arguments to undermine scientific consensus.
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In her speech, she pointed out how pseudoskeptical arguments can mislead the public by ignoring valid scientific findings.
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Many articles contain pseudoskeptical arguments that dismiss opposing views without even addressing the facts.
Synonyms
1
8.5
A reason that seems good but is actually wrong
A pretend doubt people use to reject facts without checking
A way of arguing that acts doubtful but does not check new evidence fairly
How Skeptical
- US
124
5.1
- Formal
Surface Forms
Morphology
pseudoskeptical + argument
The phrase is transparently compositional: pseudo- (false/pretend) + skeptical (showing doubt) + argument (a set of reasons) yields the meaning 'an argument that only pretends to be skeptical.' The prefix pseudo- and the adjective skeptical follow regular morphological patterns and are cross-linguistically recognizable, so a learner who knows the constituent parts can readily infer the intended sense.
Etymology
Pseudoskeptical argument combines pseudo ('fake') and skeptical ('doubting'), creating the picture of someone who only 'pretends to doubt' rather than tests ideas. So, it means an argument that looks like real questioning but actually ignores evidence and shuts down fair discussion.