The term "devil's advocate" refers to a person who takes a position they do not necessarily agree with, for the sake of debate or to explore the validity of an argument. This role is often used to challenge prevailing opinions or to ensure that all sides of an issue are considered. The person acting as the devil's advocate may highlight weaknesses in arguments or propose alternative viewpoints, encouraging deeper discussion.
The term "devil's advocate" originates from the Roman Catholic Church, where it was used to describe the official who would argue against the canonization of a candidate for sainthood. This person, known as the "advocatus diaboli," would present objections to the candidate's holiness and merits, ensuring that the decision to canonize was thoroughly examined.