In order for an argument to be good, it must pass three tests. Epstein states the three tests as follows:
1. The premises are plausible.
2. The premises are more plausible than the conclusion
3. The argument is valid or strong.
If an argument fails one or more of these tests, it is considered a bad or weak argument.
Example: Wendell has at least one alcoholic beverage a day. Alcoholics drink everyday. So Wendell is an alcoholic.
Analysis: The premises are plausible but the argument is weak. What exactly qualifies a person to be an alcoholic? A person may have to drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages to be considered an alcoholic. Although Wendell drinks everyday, there is no way of telling whether or not he drinks more than one alcoholic beverage a day. The premises can be true but the conclusion is false which makes this a weak non-valid argument.
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We have all come across an argument that has been valid but some of them might not be a good or even a strong argument. The way that you organize the information makes it easier for everyone to follow what you are trying to say. It is also easy to make the connection of how the argument can be good or bad. The example you give is ease to follow as well. It’s not a confusing argument. Even if it was the explanation you gave helps clear up any questions. Overall it was easy to follow and to understand the way that an argument should be valid.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you set up everything for this blog. It made it a lot easier to follow everything that was going on. I like how you broke down everything into its own section too. Your example is really good and definitely shows that you understand what the section in the book is talking about. Your analysis was perfect because of the way you went through and broke every sections down to talk about how the three tests were used. The example you used along with your analysis made it really easy to follow and understand. I also liked your title is was very creative. Good job!
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