As we already learned previously, the principle of rational discussion is a discussion where we assume the other person who is discussing with us or whose arguments we are reading: knows about the subject under discussion, is able and willing to reason well, and is not lying. We also learned that a fallacy is usually incorrect argumentation in reasoning resulting in a misconception or presumption. There is guide to repair arguments that one can follow. When an argument is given and needs to be repair, we can make it stronger by adding a premise or conclusion if it satisfies all three of the following:
1. The argument becomes stronger or valid.
2. The premise is plausible and would seem plausible to the other person.
3.The premise is more plausible than the conclusion.
If the argument is considered valid or strong, we may then delete a premise if appropriate and if it does not make the argument worse.
Example of an argument that needs repair:
Studying before an exam will help you receive a good grade.
Molly studied the night before.
Therefore, Molly received a good grade.
This argument is considered a good argument but it might not be strong enough because the premises leading to the conclusion is not strong. One may say that anyone that studies for an exam can get a good grade but for some people it is different. Everyone studies differently and studying effects everyone in a different way. One may study a lot but still get a bad grade for many different reasons. A premise can be added like, "Molly studied consistently for many nights and also remembered all the materials that was needed for the test." This argument could have been more specific too so we know what Molly is studying for. Therefore, it is possible for Molly to have received a good grade but it is not definite if she did or not.
This is a believable argument, but it isn't strong enough, this is a good example. I totally agree with you when you talked about how everyone studies differently. Some people needs to study a lot in order to get a good grade, but some people who studies a lot might not get a good grade. For example, I study, but I get a decent grade, not a grade I'm really proud of, but enough to pass the class. Even if i study really hard, sometimes, it doesn't work. So that's why I agree with what you're talking about. If you add the statement above, it would make the argument a lot stronger because it explained what she studied and how, like remembering materials and others.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. This is a really good example. Hopefully, you can understand what I was talking about.