Elenchus is the process of testing the consistency of ideas through systematic questioning, in which way the contradictions can be exposed, and hypotheses can be refined. In Socratic thinking, this principle serves as a rigorous tool for validating arguments and challenging underlying assumptions. In chemistry, elenchus is particularly valuable for evaluating the validity of reaction mechanisms or theoretical models. For instance, a proposed catalytic pathway can be scrutinized by questioning whether it aligns with observed kinetics or product distributions, thereby revealing gaps or inconsistencies in reasoning. This iterative refinement strengthens the robustness of scientific inquiry and ensures that conclusions are well-supported by evidence.