Play Devil's advocate

Definitions

• to present an opposing viewpoint
  To argue or present a different perspective from the one that is commonly accepted or supported by others, often for the sake of discussion or to challenge the prevailing opinion.

• to test the strength of an argument
  To challenge or scrutinize the validity or soundness of an argument by presenting counterarguments or objections, often in a critical or skeptical manner.

• to provoke thought and critical thinking
  To stimulate or encourage critical thinking by presenting a counterpoint or alternative perspective, often in a playful or non-confrontational manner.

Examples of Play Devil's advocate

• In a heated debate, Sarah played Devil's advocate and argued against her own team's proposal, presenting a convincing case for why it might not be the best course of action.

  To play Devil's advocate is to present arguments against a position or proposal, even if one does not necessarily believe in them. It is a way to test the strength of an argument and to consider all possible perspectives. In this example, Sarah was asked to play Devil's advocate in order to challenge her team's proposal and to ensure that all potential issues were considered before making a decision.

Conclusion

The idiom "play Devil's advocate" is commonly used to describe the act of presenting an opposing viewpoint or argument in a conversation or debate. It can also refer to the act of challenging and testing the strength of an argument. In addition, it can be used to describe the act of provoking thought and critical thinking by presenting a counterpoint. Overall, the idiom is often used to encourage open-mindedness and critical thinking by considering alternative perspectives.

Origin of "Play Devil's advocate"

The origin of the idiom "play Devil's advocate" can be traced back to the Catholic Church in the 16th century. The term "Devil's advocate" referred to the official role of a person appointed by the church to argue against a proposed canonization (the process of declaring someone a saint). This role was created to ensure that all aspects of a candidate's life and character were thoroughly examined before being declared a saint.

Over time, the term "Devil's advocate" evolved to refer to anyone who presents an opposing viewpoint or argument, often in a critical or skeptical manner. The idiom "play Devil's advocate" is now commonly used in everyday conversations to describe the act of presenting an opposing viewpoint or challenging the prevailing opinion. It has also become a popular phrase in the business world, where critical thinking and considering alternative perspectives are highly valued.