What is the meaning of the academic idiom 'play devil's advocate'?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. To argue against an idea in order to test it in debate, even if one agrees with it
- Step 1: Analyze idiomatic usage in seminars and scholarly colloquia: Taking an opposing viewpoint deliberately to test the strength of an argument.
- Step 2: Confirm established meaning: Expressing a counter-argument to stimulate analytical scrutiny.
- Step 3: Select the definition.
Answer
To argue against an idea in order to test it in debate, even if one agrees with it.
Why not the others: 'To deliberately mislead a panel', 'To defend criminal conduct', and 'To promote religious heresy' interpret the word 'devil' literally or associate it with wrongdoing, ignoring the metaphorical academic idiom.
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