What is strengthening an argument?

Asked by: Shawna Kuhn  |  Last update: August 12, 2023
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Like Assumption and Weaken problems, a Strengthen argument typically will consist of a premise or two plus a conclusion based on the information in the premises. Occasionally, the conclusion might be found in a question stem rather than in the argument itself, but this does not affect the logic of solving the problem.

What does strength of an argument mean?

The strength of an argument is determined by the degree of logical strength that it possesses. logical strength: An argument has logical strength when its premises, if true, actually provide support for its conclusion. Notice that the (logical) strength of an argument does not depend on the truth of the premises.

How do you strengthen or weaken an argument?

A strengthener or weakener won't prove or disprove a conclusion beyond a shadow of a doubt—it'll just improve or worsen the likelihood of the conclusion to follow from its support. The choices in strengthen and weaken questions will always either strengthen the argument, weaken the argument, or not affect the argument.

What is weaken an argument?

An answer that weakens the argument can directly disprove the assumption. Any choice that states that the assumption is wrong will weaken the argument. II. If different evidence can strengthen the argument; different evidence can weaken the argument as well.

What is a synonym for strengthen the argument?

2 augment, bolster, brace, build up, buttress, confirm, corroborate, enhance, establish, give a boost to, harden, heighten, increase, intensify, justify, reinforce, steel, substantiate, support.

Strengthening Weakening Arguments Concepts | Critical Reasoning | CAT Preparation 2019

21 related questions found

What is another word for strengthen mean?

On this page you'll find 216 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to strengthen, such as: bolster, build up, enhance, enlarge, establish, and extend.

What is the other word of strengthen?

Synonyms of strengthen
  • harden.
  • fortify.
  • toughen.
  • energize.
  • temper.
  • beef (up)
  • invigorate.
  • vitalize.

What is the word for poor argument?

lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous argument.

What is the word for when an argument is weak?

5 feeble, flimsy, hollow, inconclusive, invalid, lame, pathetic, shallow, slight, unconvincing, unsatisfactory.

What makes an argument weaker?

Weak argument: A weak argument is the one which is illogical, impractical and irrelevant. Also, extreme statements and examples are weak arguments. These may not be directly related to the question and the reasoning factor is weak. Such arguments can be opinion based, ambiguous or superfluous.

How do you assess the strength of an argument?

To test an argument's strength, we can identify the assumptions it depends on and determine whether or not they are valid. A strong argument will accurately summarize any important counterarguments and respond to them. Even if an argument has significant flaws, it may also contain insights worth noting.

What do you need to strengthen the basic argument in your claim?

Use empirical evidence—facts and statistics—to support your claims. Appeal to your audience's rational and logical thinking. Argue your case from the authority of your evidence and research. Your list of strengths and weaknesses can help you develop your argument.

What is an example of a weak argument?

Here is an example of weak argument: “Charlie is a woman. Some women like poetry. Therefore, Charlie likes poetry.” In this case, the premise “some women like poetry” has a low or unclear probability, so the argument is weak.

What does it mean to make the weaker argument the stronger?

To make the weaker argument defeat the stronger is not to make the weaker argument stronger, or the worse cause better, but so to confuse the issue that those who hear the argument will prefer and accept the conclusion of the weaker argument despite its weakness.

What are examples of strong argument?

Here's an argument:
  • All humans have DNA. Pat is human. Therefore, Pat has DNA. This is a valid argument. ...
  • 50% of humans are female. Pat is human. Therefore, Pat is female. ...
  • 90% of humans are right-handed. Pat is human. Therefore, Pat is right-handed.

What are the elements of a strong argument?

Arguments can be divided into four general components: claim, reason, support, and warrant. Claims are statements about what is true or good or about what should be done or believed. Claims are potentially arguable.

What type of argument is weak or strong?

A strong argument is an inductive argument that succeeds in having its conclusion be probably true, given the truth of the premises. A weak argument is an inductive argument that fails in having its conclusion be probably true, even given the truth of the premises.

What are arguments that are relatively strong or weak called?

Inductive arguments -- also known as reasoning by induction -- are assessed as strong or weak, rather than as valid or invalid. In a strong inductive argument, if the premises are true, it would be highly unlikely that the conclusion would be false.

What is another word for flawed argument?

On this page you'll find 5 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to fallacious argument, such as: absurdity, deception, misconception, and sophistry.

What is another word for resolving an argument?

Some common synonyms of resolve are decide, determine, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

What is the word for unable to argue against?

synonyms: indisputable, undisputable undeniable. not possible to deny. adjective. incapable of being contested or disputed. synonyms: incontestible demonstrable, incontrovertible.

What does the phrase strengthen mean?

To strengthen is to make something stronger! Rarr. You can strengthen your muscles by working out, or strengthen your brain by learning new words. Anytime you strengthen something, you're making it more resistant, vigorous, or tough. Taking vitamins can strengthen your immune system so you don't get sick.

What makes a strong argument essay?

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.