The work that is an example of a reductio ad absurdum is "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift. In this satirical novel, Swift uses the technique of reductio ad absurdum to criticize various aspects of society and human nature.
1. Reductio ad absurdum: This literary device involves taking an argument to its logical extreme to show its absurdity. In "Gulliver's Travels," Swift uses this method to highlight the flaws and follies of society by presenting exaggerated and absurd situations.
2. Example: In one part of the novel, Gulliver visits the land of the Houyhnhnms, where intelligent horses rule over irrational humans called Yahoos. This reversal of roles serves as a reductio ad absurdum, showing the irrationality and flaws of human behavior through the perspective of the rational horses.
3. Purpose: By using reductio ad absurdum, Swift aims to critique and satirize various societal norms, political systems, and human behaviors by pushing them to their extremes and demonstrating their absurdity.
In conclusion, "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift stands out as an example of a work that employs reductio ad absurdum to provide social commentary and criticism through exaggerated and absurd scenarios.
