Sophistry

Sophistry refers to a form of reasoning that uses deceptive arguments or fallacious logic, often with the intent to persuade rather than to uncover truth. It originated in ancient Greece, where sophists were itinerant teachers skilled in rhetoric. While they taught persuasive speaking, their arguments sometimes prioritized winning debates over logical soundness, leading to misleading conclusions. In modern usage, sophistry implies an artful but misleading argument that can confuse or manipulate an audience, making it essential to critically evaluate the logic behind claims to avoid being misled.