Question

Which of the following works is an example of a reductio ad absurdum?

Answer 1

In order to answer this question, we first have to understand what "reductio ad absurdum" is. Reductio ad absurdum is a type of argument that seeks to make a point by using absurdity. Basically, it is an absurd or ridiculous argument.

Now, let's look at the literary works given. 

Doctor Faustus is a play that tells about a doctor who so desires knowledge that he sells his soul to the devil. He makes a pact with the devil and receives great knowledge. Of course, it is not surprising that at the end of the play, the devil comes to take his due. 

An Essay Concerning Human Understanding is an essay that seeks to explain the origins of human knowledge. It is a philosophical work rooted in rationalism, and it does not use absurdity at all.

The R a p e of the Lock is a long narrative poem that tells the story of a woman whose hair was cut against her will, leading to a great battle. While this story is a little absurd (cutting a small piece of hair is not nice, but should not lead to war), it is not making the argument for or against anything.

A Modest Proposal is an essay which argues for a solution to poverty in Ireland. Poverty at the time was widespread and many were starving. The author had a unique solution: eating children! The author outlined many advantages to his idea. Of course he wasn't being serious -- he didn't really want anyone to sell their children and he certainly didn't want to eat them -- but by making such a ridiculous argument he was shining light on the problem and other solutions that are much more reasonable. As a result, A Modest Proposal is an example of reductio ad absurdum because it uses absurdity to make an argument.

Answer 2

Answer:

A Modest Proposal.

Explanation:

"Reductio ad absurdum" is a form of argument that aims to prove for or against the point leading to an absurd, ridiculous or even impossible conclusion. This use of the absurdity in the argument is the main focal point of the whole issue.

"Doctor Faustus" written by Christopher Marlowe is about a scientist who acquired the practice of necromancy to gain all the knowledge of the universe. There is no use of absurdity in this story.

"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" by John Locke is a philosophical  work concerning human knowledge and understanding. Though this essay has an argument, it contains no absurdity in it.

"The Ra pe of the Lock" by Alexander Pope contains absurd elements in its dealing of the unlawful "ra pe" of a lock of hair. This loss of hair even led to a battle, but does not have any argument for or against any point.

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is an essay about his "proposal' of dealing with the extreme poverty of the Irish society. By suggesting that the children be sold as meat which will provide a continuous flow of income for the parents and also provide a source of meat for the rich, Swift gave a really absurd argument for the solution.

Thus, "A modest Proposal" is an example of a reductio ad absurdum.