Polemic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Polemics /pəˈlɛmɪks, poʊ-/[puh-lem-iks, poh-] is the practice of disputing or controverting religious, philosophical, or political matters. As such, a polemic text on a topic is often written specifically to dispute or refute a topic that is widely viewed to be a "sacred cow" or beyond reproach.
The antonym of a polemic source is an apologia.
There are other meanings of the word, as well. Polemic is also a branch of theology, pertaining to the history or conduct of ecclesiastical controversy.
The word is derived from the Greek word polemikos (πολεμικως) which means warlike.[1] Plato uses a character named Polemarchus in Plato's Republic as a vehicle to drive forward an ethical debate.