(philosophy) An argument for the existence of sense-data, and thus a criticism of direct realism, according to which what we perceive (such as a stick that looks bent because it is viewed underwater) is distinct from the actual thing perceived (the straight stick).

(physics) A thought experiment linking general relativity and gravitational waves, based on the idea of two beads sliding freely (but with a small amount of friction) on a rigid rod. As the wave passes over the rod, atomic forces hold the length of the rod fixed, but the proper distance between the two beads oscillates. Thus, the beads rub against the rod, dissipating heat.

(philosophy) The argument, famously made by Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), that a private language cannot exist.

(economics) The argument against the labor theory of value pointing out that mud pies that take an immense amount of labor still have little to no value.

An argument based on the absence of something being mentioned in documents as evidence.

A fallacy where a proposition is assumed to be true because it has not yet been proved false, or vice versa.

plural of ontological argument

plural of teleological argument

plural of cosmological argument

Acting against an argument given; intending to counter an argument.