Eristic

Eristic refers to a style of argument or debate focused on winning rather than discovering truth. It involves tactics like challenging, provoking, or sophistry—using clever but often misleading reasoning—aimed at defeating an opponent rather than reaching a genuine understanding. Historically, the term comes from ancient Greek philosophy, where some thinkers used eristic methods to test ideas or entertain. While it can be engaging, eristic often prioritizes victory over clarity or accuracy, which can hinder meaningful dialogue.