Ad nauseam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Ad nauseam is a Latin term used to describe an argument which has been continuing "[to the point of] nausea".[1] For example, the sentence "This topic has been discussed ad nauseam" signifies that the topic in question has been discussed extensively and everyone involved in the discussion is sick and tired of it.

Contents

[edit] Etymology

This term is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as:

"Argumentum ad nauseam or argument from repetition or argumentum ad infinitum is an argument made repeatedly (possibly by different people) until nobody cares to discuss it any more. This may sometimes, but not always, be a form of proof by assertion".

[edit] Usage

[edit] As cognitive bias and logical fallacy

"Ad nauseam" arguments are logical fallacies relying on the repetition of a single argument to the exclusion of all else. This tactic employs intentional obfuscation, in which other logic and rationality is intentionally ignored in favour of preconceived (and ultimately subjective) modes of reasoning and rationality.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

Personal tools