apagogic proof, n.All

An Apagogic proof (n.) in ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠metaphysics is the trick of the dogmatic champion who stakes his party's honor on taking on all comers — settling nothing but who is stronger, while spectators watch each side win, then lose.

An Apagogic proof (n.) refutes ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠the opposite and can produce certainty but never comprehension; it is an emergency procedure, though a contradiction has more vividness than the best connection.