Salvete
Having just referred to the use of ‘reductio ad absurdum’, in a conversation, I got to thinking about the Latin.
My question is, why is it ‘absurdum’?
I’m still quite new to the subject but am thinking that the word is an adjective being used substantively?
I can’t find any clue as to what’s going on in Lewis and Short.
I’m teaching myself and feel I may have hit upon a nice line of enquiry so any pointers are very much appreciated.
You’re right: absurdum is an adjective used substantively. It’s neuter and it’s accusative, the object of the preposition ad, which takes the accusative case.
Thanks for confirming that it’s being used substantively.
This, to me, begs the question, why is it neuter? There must be some rule that I’m not, yet, aware of.
Adjectives used as substantives are neuter if they refer to things, masculine if to men or men and women, and feminine if to women.
Thanks.