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1. Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention
2. Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention
An eristic argument, or line of reasoning, is that of a debate where the focus is on refuting an argument rather than searching for the truth.
This definition of "eristic" goes back to Aristotle and is discussed in his works "Prior analytics" and "Sophistical refutations" (and referenced from his other works).
Paul uses this word often in writing to Greek audiences. The KJV translates this word as "strife" whose modern meaning may not capture the original meaning.
3. Eris: Greek goddess of strife
The English word "eristic" is from the ancient Greek word "ἔρις" ≈ "strife" as in "discord". Originally in a physical and quarrelsome way, the meaning changed in Greek philosophy to a verbal and intellectual way.
The word has origins in the Greek god "Ἔρις" ≈ "Eris" who is the goddess of discord and strife - which could be physical or might not be.
The ancient Greek phrase "μῆλον τῆς Ἔριδος" ≈ "Apple of Eris" is the "golden apple of discord" chosen by the goddess Eris in the garden of the Hesperides.
That innocent (but intentionally placed) apple sparked a vanity contest between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite and is attributed as the reason for the Trojan War.
5. Hesperides
The garden of Hesperides, visited by Hercules, was in the extreme west (setting sun) from Greece and is the source of the Greek word for "evening" which comes, through Latin, as "vespers" which is related to the English word "west".
The English phrase "apple of discord" means the central part of an argument that could lead to a bigger dispute.
Much "strife" is caused not by physical confrontation, not by quarrelsome verbal attacks, but by otherwise innocent intellectual argumentative disputes.
7. Eristic reasoning
The word "eristic", as in a reasoning process, goes back to Aristotle and is discussed in his works Prior analytics and Sophistical refutations (and referenced from his other works).
Aristotle did not like the idea of "sophists" using bad logic to make money from people by convincing them of things that were not true. These things were often the things that these people wanted to hear. This is similar to a false prophet in the Bible, a false teacher throughout history. etc.
Aristotle, in his On Sophistical Refutations, details (at least) 12 ways to use bad or "sophistic" logic. Eristic reasoning is one of them.
One technique of "eristic" (faulty and contentious) logic is to accuse the other side of what you are doing. This tends to confuse those who cannot determine what is valid logic and what is not valid logic.
A name for this in psychology is "projection" as one projects one's own ideas, faults, etc., onto others.
Another "eristic" argument is that because someone is a "hypocrite" (in the modern sense) what they are claiming is not true.
Example: The pastor preached that we should not sin. I know he did what he was preaching about. How can he be trusted?
KJV: He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
Hebrew: אהב פשע אהב מצה מגביה פתחו מבקש שבר׃
Greek: φιλαμαρτημων χαιρει μαχαις
Brenton: A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
Latin: qui meditatur discordiam diligit rixas et qui exaltat ostium quaerit ruinam
Portuguese: Aquele que ama as discórdias ama o pecado; e o que ergue demais a sua porta, busca a ruína.
18. Always being right
The goal of "eristic" argument is to appear to "always be right". Aristotle had disdain for those who used these (invalid) arguments in order to make money from others.
An 1818 book by the title The art of always being right by German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer details "eristic" (and other) ways of (valid or invalid) reasoning and provides ways or "tricks" to use in such arguments.
An "eristic" argument often has the side-effect of diverting the discussion from actually resolving anything of importance. Sometimes it appears as if the argument is for the sake of arguing and/or conflict rather than serving any useful purpose.
20. Synonyms
Here are some synonyms and associated attributes for the English word "eristic".
argumentarian
belligerent
combative
controversialist
disputant
litigious
quarrelsome
scrappy
testy
21. Separation
It is very important to be able to distinguish or separate the following.
An "eristic" argument that diverts from the idea needed to show what is true.
A "valid" argument that focuses on the idea needed to show what is true.
From an observer's point of view, both sides appear very similar. A common technique is to accuse the other side of doing what you are doing - or trying to do. This is called "projection".
[Feynman anecdote of what is obvious and what is not obvious]
22. Knowing it all
Valid logic
Eristic talk
Eristic talk
A common idea is that someone using "eristic" arguments is a person who is a "know it all" and always "has to be right" (even when they are wrong).
I find that people who are like that can be very irritating and get on my nerves. How about you?
I've been told to go look in a mirror but that didn't help. I guess I do not know everything yet. So why do they call me a "know it all"?
23. Legal field
Lawyers (and law enforcement, etc.) sometimes use an "eristic" line of questioning involving "yes" and "no" answers that allow them to try to get the answers they want rather than the truth.
This is why it is said, with good reason, that a court hearing is not about finding the truth, but following the rule of law.
Aside: Since lawyers get paid by the hour (or part of an hour), it is to their financial advantage to extend court hearings with such questions until there are no more funds to go around.
24. Perjury traps
A common form of this is what is called a "perjury trap" where the goal is not to get the truth but to get the person answering questions to say, usually unknowingly, that they have committed perjury by answering questions in such a way as to be logically equivalent to a "lie".
25. Greek
Since the Greek word had to do with the idea of nonproductive intellectual argumentative disputing, let us look at the use of that Greek word in the NT (New Testament) where Paul uses that word, or variation, in 16 verses. It is used 1 time in Matthew and 2 times in James.
The word appears 2 times in the LXX (Septuagint) in successive verses in Samuel.
26. Goal
In all these verses, the goal is to determine which of the two sides of the definition better fit the context and meaning of the verse
Greek side: nonproductive intellectual argumentative disputing as in "eristic".
Latin and English side: bitter, and possibly violent, physical conflict as in "strife".
Then discuss: How does the change in meaning effect how each verse should be taken in terms interactions of members within and without the church?
27. Striving
Matthew 12:19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [kjv]
What does the "strive" mean here? The English word "strive" means to seek towards some goal and comes from the Middle English word "striven" ≈ "strive" from French and before that Frankish. The idea was that of competition and/or quarreling.
Does the word "strive" in this verse mean more of a physical meaning or more of an intellectual meaning? Is it "quarrelsome"?
How does a physical meaning fit with the other words in the verse?
KJV: And charged them that they should not make him known:
Greek: και επετιμησεν αυτοις ινα μη φανερον αυτον ποιησωσιν
35. Jesus
Matthew 12:17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, [kjv]
12:18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. [kjv]
12:19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [kjv]
Does this prophecy of Isaiah fit Jesus?
Did Jesus go through the streets crying out and/or use eristic arguments? How might this verse reflect on "street preachers"? Discuss.
KJV: Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Greek: ιδου ο παις μου ον ηρετισα ο αγαπητος μου εις ον ευδοκησεν η ψυχη μου θησω το πνευμα μου επ αυτον και κρισιν τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελει
Paul provides a laundry list of sins to the church in Rome.
Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [kjv]
Is a "debate" about in issue a sin? The sin of "debate", after "murder", is that of nonproductive intellectual argumentative disputing.
KJV: Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Aristotle points out that it can be difficult to determine if those using "eristic" reasoning are actually "ignorant" or are being deliberately "deceptive".
Jesus provides rules that handle such distinctions in a fault tolerant way.
Discuss: Is a discussion using such a line of reasoning "eristic"? That is, do such questions cause "strife"? Explain.
44. Murder
Paul lists "eristic" reasoning right after "murder".
Should "eristic" arguments be considered on the same level as "war" or "murder"?
Discuss: Provide some examples of how verbal "words" can escalate into physical "actions" that can be destructive or lead to "murder".
45. Politics and war
The German General Staff and military, through World War II, was based on the ideas of Clausewitz who had observed many Napoleonic battles.
War is a continuation of politics by other means.Carl von Clausewitz (Prussian military theorist)
In modern times, economic war has been favored over more traditional war.
Paul continues later in Romans. The Greek for "envy" used here, from which we get the English word "jeolous", is that of competing with another for the same goal or idea.
Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [kjv]
Discuss: Compare and contrast the Greek definition of "eristic" with the definition of "envy".
KJV: Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Greek: ως εν ημερα ευσχημονως περιπατησωμεν μη κωμοις και μεθαις μη κοιταις και ασελγειαις μη εριδι και ζηλω
48. Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [kjv]
Discuss: How might the Greek idea of "eristic" as a nonproductive intellectual argumentative disputing apply here?
KJV: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Greek: εδηλωθη γαρ μοι περι υμων αδελφοι μου υπο των χλοης οτι εριδες εν υμιν εισιν
50. Strife and divisions
1 Corinthians 3:3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [kjv]
Discuss: Compare the Greek definition of "eristic" as a nonproductive intellectual argumentative disputing with "envy" as in competing with another for the same goal or idea.
Those "divisions" often end up with different groups. In ancient Greece, the word for such a group was a "heresy".
Philippians 1:15 ... of envy and strife; and some also ...
Titus 3:9 ... and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; ...
εριδος
Romans 1:29 ... full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
εριδι
Romans 13:13 ... and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
εριδες
1 Corinthians 1:11 ... which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
53. Strife
2 Corinthians 12:20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: [kjv]
Paul uses two words for "eristic". One is translated as "debate" and the other as "strife".
Do all of these have to do with intellectual and verbal interactions? Do any have to do with physical interactions?
KJV: For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
2 Corinthians 12:20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: [kjv]
The word for "tumults" has to do with "commotions" as Paul contrasts with the Greek word for "peace" or "tranquility".
Here Paul also uses two words for "eristic" as "variance" and "strife" and the word for "jealous" as "emulations".
The Greek word for "heresy" had to do with a group or faction that had certain ideas. Over time, the meaning changed to that idea rather than the group with the idea.
Philippians 1:15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: [kjv]
The Greek words for "jealous" and "eristic" are used again. This appears to be a common problem in churches to which he wrote.
Discuss: Are these problems evident in your church today? Explain.
Discuss: Do factions within the church use "eristic" reasoning to compete (as in "jeolous" in the Greek sense) to get followers for that group? Such a group was called a "heresy" in Greek.
KJV: Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Greek: τινες μεν και δια φθονον και εριν τινες δε και δι ευδοκιαν τον χριστον κηρυσσουσιν
60. Timothy
To Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus, where such thought by Aristotle was well known, Paul provides more detail about "questions" and the "strife" of verbal "words" (and not physical confrontation) and the result of such actions.
1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, where of cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [kjv]
KJV: But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Greek: μωρας δε ζητησεις και γενεαλογιας και ερειςεριν και μαχας νομικας περιιστασο εισιν γαρ ανωφελεις και ματαιοι
64. Samuel
In the LXX in the book of 1 Samuel, the Greek word for "eristic" is used in two verses in succession.
This is done in the Hebrew way of contrast so that one verse is said one way and the next in the negative sense.
The two ways provide more clarity in the written word to attempt to avoid "eristic" arguments against what is said.
65. Samuel
1 Samuel 12:14If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: [kjv]
If you° should fear the Lord, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not resist the mouth of the Lord, and you° and your king that reigns over you should follow the Lord, well. [bs3]
The "rebel" is that of "eristic" questions to "resist" the Lord.
KJV: If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Hebrew: אם תיראו את יהוה ועבדתם אתו ושמעתם בקלו ולא תמרו את פי יהוה והיתם גם אתם וגם המלך אשר מלך עליכם אחר יהוה אלהיכם׃
Greek: εαν φοβηθητε τον κυριον και δουλευσητε αυτω και ακουσητε της φωνης αυτου και μη ερισητε τω στοματι κυριου και ητε και υμεις και ο βασιλευς ο βασιλευων εφ υμων οπισω κυριου πορευομενοι
Brenton: If you° should fear the Lord, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not resist the mouth of the Lord, and you° and your king that reigns over you should follow the Lord, well.
67. Samuel
The "rebel" or "resist" need not be physical. It can consist of "eristic" arguments.
1 Samuel 12:15But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. [kjv]
But if you° should not listen to the voice of the Lord, and you° should resist the mouth of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be upon you and upon your king. [bs3]
KJV: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.
Hebrew: ואם לא תשמעו בקול יהוה ומריתם את פי יהוה והיתה יד יהוה בכם ובאבתיכם׃
Greek: εαν δε μη ακουσητε της φωνης κυριου και ερισητε τω στοματι κυριου και εσται χειρ κυριου επι υμας και επι τον βασιλεα υμων
Brenton: But if you° should not listen to the voice of the Lord, and you° should resist the mouth of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be upon you and upon your king.
69. Sticks and stones
An English saying used by children goes that "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me".
This appeared in print in 1830 in England. Many music groups and song titles and verses have used this idea.
70. Future war
I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.Albert Einstein's (Physicist)
The opposite saying to "sticks and stones ..." is that "the tongue wounds more than the lance".
This is stated by James.
72. James
James uses the Greek word for "eristic" 2 times in 3 verses in James 3:14-16.
Since the word "eristic" has to do with (invalid) verbal reasoning using the tongue, it is interesting that James precedes these verses with the power and danger of the tongue.
Note: Some verses omitted that do not appear to be essential to this line of reasoning.
73. Tongue
James 3:4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. [kjv]
ιδου και ταπλοιατηλικαυτα οντα και υπο ανεμων σκληρων ελαυνομενα μεταγεται υπο ελαχιστουπηδαλιουοπου η ορμη τουευθυνοντος [gnt]
That word is used elsewhere in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and in the LXX but James does not use this word. The Greek word used here by James means a rudder as in something that, literally, means something that allows one to "go straight ahead" or in the direction desired.
KJV: Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Greek: ιδου και τα πλοια τηλικαυτα οντα και υπο σκληρων ανεμων σκληρων ελαυνομενα μεταγεται υπο ελαχιστου πηδαλιου οπου αν η ορμη του ευθυνοντοςβουληται βουλεται
Latin: ecce et naves cum magnae sint et a ventis validis minentur circumferuntur a modico gubernaculo ubi impetus dirigentis voluerit
Wycliffe: And lo! schippis, whanne thei ben grete, and ben dryuun of stronge wyndis, yit thei ben borun about of a litil gouernaile, where the meuyng of the gouernour wole.
Luther: Siehe, die Schiffe, ob sie wohl so groß sind und von starken Winden getrieben werden, werden sie doch gelenkt mit einem kleinen Ruder, wo der hin will, der es regieret.
Spanish: Mirad también las naves; aunque tan grandes, y llevadas de impetuosos vientos, son gobernadas con un muy pequeño timón por donde quiere el que las gobierna.
75. Tongues of fire
James 3:5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! [kjv]
3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [kjv]
3:8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [kjv]
The Greek word for "tongue" is the same word for "language" as in spoken language.
KJV: And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Greek: και η γλωσσα πυρ ο κοσμος της αδικιας ουτως η γλωσσα καθισταται εν τοις μελεσιν ημων η σπιλουσα ολον το σωμα και φλογιζουσα τον τροχον της γενεσεως και φλογιζομενη υπο της γεεννης
KJV: Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Greek: μητι η πηγη εκ της αυτης οπης βρυει το γλυκυ και το πικρον
82. James
After the discussion of the "tongue", the words for "envy" and "strife" are now paired in both verses 14 and 16.
James 3:14But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. [kjv]
3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [kjv]
3:16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [kjv]
The "bitter" goes with "envying" (competition for an idea) and not with "strife" (verbal reasoning) which is in the "heart". The Greek for "sensual" is that of "soul" as in the desire of man.
KJV: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Greek: οπου γαρ ζηλος και εριθεια εκει ακαταστασια και παν φαυλον πραγμα
86. Logical arguments
In a perfect world, or a perfect church, "eristic" reasoning would not happen. In reality, some people will use "eristic" reasoning.
How can one determine "eristic" reasoning and avoid it but, at the same time, admit and allow "valid" reasoning?
Any false teacher may, at times, be using "eristic" reasoning. If any person attempts to address this false reasoning, might they themselves be falsely accused of creating "strife".
87. Problem
Eristic (invalid) reasoning causes "strife".
Does "strife" mean that eristic reasoning was the cause?
Aristotle addresses false teaching at length and the danger to the truth.
Jesus and Paul (and others) address the dangers of false doctrine to the church.
88. Discussion
Discuss: When was the last time you heard a sermon that addressed false doctrine in detail with examples of how to identify false doctrine and how logical tricks could be used to promote false ideas?
Discuss: If you have trouble coming up with examples, why might that be the case?