Peirastic

1. (adj.) That which is to be examined, tested, or otherwise tried.

2. (n.) The species of dialectic that examines the opinions of a person to determine whether they are consistent.

Peirastic is the specific name of the logic that governs the Socratic Method. When misused by contentious debaters it deteriorates into eristic.

Socrates reputedly used peirastic to expose the ignorance of social authorities.

by Suhcnele February 4, 2011