1651 || elenchus

Wonder: The big question. Hypothesis: The interlocutor's proposed answer to the question. Elenchus: Question and answer to discover what other reasonable propositions are likely to be true that refute the hypothesis. Proceed by mutual agreement at every step - elenchus is not a debate.Accept or Revise: Refine or revise the hypothesis - either without vulnerability to that elenchus, with reduced confidence, or even rejecting it. On the other hand, if the hypothesis survives repeated attempts at elenchus, provisionally accept it. Act accordingly: Reduce confidence in and reliance on the hypothesis that is refuted by elenchus.

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