Final answer:
A sophism is best described as a deceptive argument that uses fallacious reasoning to appear convincing. It often involves fallacies that mislead the recipient, such as presenting false dichotomies. The correct option to describe sophism is c. a deceptive argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term sophism can be best described as a tricky, deceptive, or fallacious argument. Sophisms are often mistaken for valid arguments because they are crafted in a way that appears logical and convincing. However, they fall apart under scrutiny because they are based on incorrect assumptions or irrelevant information. A classic form of sophism is the false dichotomy, which presents two choices as the only possible options, neglecting any other alternatives that may exist. For example, the argument 'You're either with us or against us' is a false dichotomy because it overlooks the possibility of neutral or alternative positions. This aligns with the concept of a fallacy, a term used to describe poor or deceptive forms of reasoning.
A fallacy of relevance, for instance, relies on information that does not actually support the conclusion, leading the listener away from the actual point of the argument. Identifying weaknesses in a philosophical argument involves proposing critiques that may point out these errors, such as by highlighting contradictions, presenting counterexamples, or challenging the deductive reasoning utilized. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth by dismantling the disguise that sophisms often wear.
To directly answer the student's question, the best way to describe a sophism is c. a deceptive argument. Sophisms are not simply about sophistication, style, or badly constructed arguments; they are precisely crafted to mislead or deceive the recipient.