single word requests - What is a good term for someone who refuses to debate an issue ab initio?



A neologism would be fine. I was thinking of “ruglifter”, as in someone who is wont to sweep dirt under the rug.


edit: I was aware that using "from first principles" would render the question ambiguous, but I thought my run-on would clarify it. I was partly trying to avoid using a Latinism ("ab initio"), but I guess it is appropriate, so I've edited to use it.



Answer



I suggest dogmatist or dogmatic. These imply stubborn refusal to acknowledge facts or others’ opinions, as well as an inclination to lay down their own principles as incontrovertible.


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