A. understand that a good argument does not mean . . .
1. "Agrees with my views."
2. "Persuasive Argument"
3. "Well-written or well-spoken argument."
B. understand that a good argument is an argument that satisfies the relevant critical thinking standards that apply in a particular context. That is,
1. a good argument is one where the premises are true and provide good reason to accept the conclusion, i.e. the argument is either deductively sound or inductively cogent, which implies that . . .
a. a good argument is either deductively valid or inductively strong.
2. a good argument in one that satisfies the critical thinking standards of clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, consistency, logical correctness, completeness and fairness.
C. become familiar with the guidelines for evaluating arguments.
1. Are the premises true?
2. Is the reasoning correct? Is the argument deductively valid or inductively strong?
3. Does the arguer commit any logical fallacies?
4. does the arguer express his points clearly and precisely?
5. Are the premises relevant to the conclusion?
6. Are the arguer's claims logically consistent? Do any of the arguer's claims contradict other claims made in the argument?
7. Is the argument complete? Is all relevant evidence taken into account?
8. Is the argument fair to opposing arguments and views?
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education