Sophism – Wordplay Wednesday™ 05/13/2020

Eloquent Arguing does not Mask Intent or Prove Content 

Not surprisingly, many people are re-evaluating their values, goals, and general life path right about now. Some by choice, some by necessity.

Along the way, we can’t help but examine our beliefs as well, especially those that work into career presentations, speeches, and job performance. Do we think before we speak? A Wordplay Wednesday word for the wise …

SOPHISM (säfʹizʹɘm) n. – a clever and plausible but fallacious argument or form of reasoning, esp. one intended to deceive. [WW #268]

What is often difficult to keep in mind with this word, is in life—both reality and fiction—it is perception and beliefs that give credence or not, to any topic of sophism. What is one man’s flat world is another’s glorious globe.

She listened to the speakers’ rhetoric with growing irritation. Never had she heard so much sophism in one room from such a small group of people.

 

But what did she expect when attending a gathering of the city’s flat earth society, after spending time on the Space Station and observing the blue marble sphere for herself?

So it could even be argued that the dictionary is a tad short-sighted in use of the word, fallacious; we are human, and if a person believes what they’re saying, it could be sophism but in their beliefs, not necessarily fallacious. And …

We can argue that intent is as important as content.

Word Challenge: SOPHISM. Human nature being what it is, this week’s word is a great exploration into your character’s psyche. Or, it could prove interesting to analyze with curiosity in general conversation, as you fit sophism into your week of profound writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz