What best describes a person exhibiting "sophistry"?

A person exhibiting "sophistry" is best described as one who employs deceptive reasoning. Sophistry involves the use of fallacious arguments with the intent of misleading or tricking others. This form of reasoning often appears convincing but lacks solid foundation or truthfulness. It is often used to manipulate opinions or to persuade someone without a commitment to honesty or integrity.

This contrasts sharply with the other choices. Valid arguments revolve around logical coherence and truthfulness, painful honesty suggests an earnest and straightforward approach, while sound logic refers to reasoning that is both valid and true, relying on premises that lead to accurate conclusions. Thus, the defining characteristic of sophistry lies in its reliance on deception rather than sound reasoning.