"A strong argument with true premises is sometimes better than a valid one with the same conclusion" (Epstein, 48).
It is better to have a strong argument because it gives the argument depth while a valid one may beg for question. An example of a strong argument is; "Every girl I have seen or talked to wearing a pink sorority shirt is in a sorority. Therefore, any girl wearing that shirt is in a sorority." This argument is strong because it gives to reason to believe the conclusion is true. It makes sense to believe that girls in the pink shirts are in a sorority because it is known that they are the only people who have them. The conclusion is plausible, but there is the chance that it is false because a roommate or sibling who isn't in a sorority borrowed it.
An example of a valid argument is; "Sororities are the only ones who distribute the pink shirts. Therefore, all girls in pink shirts are in a sorority."
A strong argument and valid argument are dependent on what the conclusion is trying to prove.
I liked your statement about how it is better to have a strong argument than a valid one. It makes good sense in the fact that a valid argument seems to beg for someone to pick it apart while a strong argument convinces people without string arming them. Even in your example of a valid argument I can think of ways that it could be incorrect. How can you be sure that sororities are the only ones giving out pink shirts? Once we hear terms like only, I think we instinctively try to find ways to pick it apart. This is part of our society.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent example of a strong argument. I’m always wondering about the girls who wear sorority clothing off campus – are they wearing the shirt as a fashion statement or are they really a part of a sorority? Your follow up of a valid argument is a simple yet reasonable every day example as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with your opinion on a strong vs. a valid argument. A strong argument seems to have more detail and facts to back up a claim as compared to a valid argument. It would only make sense to use a strong argument in an escalated debate.
I definitely agree how you mentioned a strong argument is better than a valid argument, because “it gives to reason to believe the conclusion is true.” I like how you simplified the definition and showed an example that obviously states the difference between a strong argument and a valid argument. I also liked how you mentioned how it is possible that someone else could have borrowed the sorority pink shirt but the person does not belong to a sorority. The example you used is something that students in our campus can relate to and it also made your point more credible. I honestly didn’t even think about that example until you used it. Good job! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the point you made in the post. A strong argument is much better than an a valid argument because it has a more believable premise which gives it more credibility in the argument making the audience want to agree with your point in the argument more. I also like your example which shows that you that even though you think that all girls who wear pink shirts are in sorority they may not be even part of anything Greek or they may have browed the shirt for the day.
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