What makes an argument stronger or weaker?

Asked by: Eldon Heathcote  |  Last update: November 16, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (1 votes)

Definition: A strong argument is a non-deductive argument that succeeds in providing probable, but not conclusive, logical support for its conclusion. A weak argument is a non-deductive argument that fails to provide probable support for its conclusion.

What makes a stronger argument?

A strong argument should be debatable and challenged by other viewpoints. The strength of your argument actually stems from how well you address these opposing views.

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 makes an argument better?

A good argument is one where there is a logical connection between the assumptions presented and the final conclusion. If you've taken a geometry class, it's a bit like writing a geometric proof: Given that this is true, therefore, that must be true.

What are the 5 key parts of a strong argument?

The Five Parts of Argument
  • Claim;
  • Reason;
  • Evidence;
  • Warrant;
  • Acknowledgement and Response.

What is a "STRONG" argument?

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What makes an argument weak?

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.

What are the 4 important components a good argument must have?

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.

How do you argue successfully?

  1. Keep it logical. Try not to let your emotions take over the logic of the situation. ...
  2. Use "I" statements. ...
  3. Don't bring up the past. ...
  4. Listen and clarify what you don't understand. ...
  5. Make requests rather than complaints. ...
  6. Take time out. ...
  7. Decide what is worth an argument.

What are the three most important parts of an argument?

Toulmin identifies the three essential parts of any argument as the claim; the data (also called grounds or evidence), which support the claim; and the warrant. The warrant is the assumption on which the claim and the evidence depend.

What are signs of a weak argument?

The nature of a weak argument
  • Inductive reasoning. The argument should move from specific observations to broad generalizations.
  • Uncertain premise. The specific observations used to build the argument should either have a low probability or be based on personal opinions rather than facts.

What tends to weaken an argument?

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. Any new information given in an answer choice that makes the assumption less likely to be correct will weaken the argument as a whole.

What kind of arguments can be strong?

Inductive arguments, by contrast, are said to be strong or weak, and, although terminology varies, they may also be considered cogent or not cogent. A strong inductive argument is said to be one whose premises render the conclusion likely. A cogent argument is a strong argument with true premises.

What makes an argument convincing?

The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

What is the structure of a good argument?

An argument can be broken down into three basic parts: the conclusion, the premises, and the assumptions. THE CONCLUSION The conclusion (or theses) is the point of the main idea of the argument--what the author is trying to prove.

What is most important in an argument?

The use of data, statistical evidence, and sufficient support to establish the practicality and rationality of your claims should be the strongest element of your argument. To have a logically sound argument, you should include: A debatable and supportable claim. Logical reasoning to support your claim.

What does a healthy argument look like?

Healthy arguments can also cover more important topics, but it's how we react to them that matters. “A healthy disagreement is one where each partner communicates their position while being willing to consider the other's perspective,” explains Kivits. “This might be heated, and difficult feelings might be shared.

What is the best line to end an argument?

"Let's agree to disagree."

This classic statement is a great way to end an argument. Dr. Berry calls this “a more direct version” of the previous statement, and Dr. Malek says that it can help reduce tension and allow both parties to feel like they've been heard.

What not to do in an argument?

We asked therapists to share the worst things couples can do during an argument so you know what to avoid next time you're in a spat.
  • You hit below the belt. ...
  • You walk away mid-argument. ...
  • You try to make a major decision during an argument. ...
  • You bring up past mistakes or unrelated issues to deflect and distract.

What are the six elements of good argument?

Developed by philosopher Stephen E. Toulmin, the Toulmin method is a style of argumentation that breaks arguments down into six component parts: claim, grounds, warrant, qualifier, rebuttal, and backing. In Toulmin's method, every argument begins with three fundamental parts: the claim, the grounds, and the warrant.

What are the two important parts a strong argument is made up of?

Structure of an Argument

Arguments consist of two main parts: conclusion and evidence. In this common argument, one concludes that Socrates is mortal because he is human (as humans are, in fact, mortal). In this example a single conclusion/claim is drawn from a single premise.

What are the four pillars of argument?

In Chapter 1, you were introduced to the four pillars of argument— thesis statement , evidence , refutation , and concluding statement —the basic building blocks of an effective argumentative essay. The chapters that follow expand this discussion by illustrating and explaining different types of arguments.

What are strong and valid arguments?

VALID: If all the premises are true, the conclusion follows with certainty. STRONG: If all the premises are true, the conclusion follows with high probability. WEAK: If all the premises are true, the conclusion follows neither with certainty nor with high probability.

What makes an argument either good or bad?

There are two main requirements an argument must satisfy if it is going to count as a good argument: (i) The premises must be true. (ii) The premises must support the conclusion. In other words, the evidence or reasons you present must be accurate, and they must provide reason for thinking the conclusion is true.

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.