réfutatio

Réfutatio is a term used in rhetoric and argumentation to denote the act of countering or debunking an opponent’s argument. The word derives from Latin refūtātiō, from refūtāre meaning to drive back or repel. In English, the related term is refutation; in French, réfutation or réfutatio.

In classical rhetoric, réfutatio is a component of persuasive discourse, often paired with confirmatio (the demonstration of one’s own evidence). The purpose is to address the adversary’s points directly, showing that their reasoning is flawed, their premises are faulty, or their conclusions do not logically follow. This may involve conceding a minor point to gain credibility, presenting counterexamples, exposing logical fallacies, or employing reductio ad absurdum to reveal inconsistency.

Common methods of réfutatio include: challenging the opponent’s premises, illustrating alternative interpretations, exposing unwarranted generalizations, and demonstrating that the opposing argument leads to contradictory or undesirable consequences. In some traditions, réfutatio is seen as a disciplined part of the rhetorical workflow, helping to maintain a fair and thorough examination of competing positions.

Beyond rhetoric, réfutatio also appears in logic and critical thinking as the broader practice of refuting a claim: providing evidence or reasoning that a statement is false or untenable. In contemporary debate and legal argument, réfutatio remains a core technique for presenting a credible counterargument.