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Evaluating Arguments

Chapter Outline

Following are the main learning objectives from the chapter.

When is an Argument a Good One?

(See pgs. 221-223)

Students should know what a good argument is in the context of critical thinking. You should . .

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?

When is it Reasonable to Accept a Premise

(See pgs. 223-227)

In evaluating premises for their acceptability, students should . . .

A. understand and be able to apply the principle of rational acceptance.

1. You should apply this principle only when it is either impossible or not worthwhile to verify a claim for ourselves. In doing so, you should ask the following questions:

a. Does the claim conflict with our personal experience?

b. Does the claim conflict with our background beliefs?

c. Does the claim come from a credible source?