How do you spot and fix argument errors?

3 How to spot formal argument errors?

To spot formal argument errors, you need to identify the type of reasoning used in an argument and apply the appropriate rules or criteria. Deductive reasoning is a type of reasoning that claims to provide conclusive proof for the conclusion based on the premises. A deductive argument is valid if the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises, and sound if the premises are true. To spot invalid deductive arguments, you can use truth tables, Venn diagrams, or syllogistic rules. Inductive reasoning is a type of reasoning that claims to provide probable support for the conclusion based on the premises. An inductive argument is strong if the conclusion is likely based on the premises, and cogent if the premises are true and relevant. To spot fallacious inductive arguments, you can use statistical methods, causal analysis, or analogical reasoning.

4 How to spot informal argument errors?

To spot informal argument errors, you need to evaluate the relevance, accuracy, and sufficiency of the premises and the conclusion. Common informal argument errors include ad hominem, where one attacks the person rather than the argument; straw man, which involves misrepresenting or distorting the opponent's argument; red herring, which introduces an irrelevant topic or issue; slippery slope, which assumes that a small step will inevitably lead to a drastic outcome without providing evidence or justification; hasty generalization, where one draws a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence; false dilemma, which presents only two alternatives as if they are the only options when there are more possibilities; and circular reasoning, where one uses the conclusion as a premise or assumes what needs to be proved.

5 How to fix argument errors?

To fix argument errors, you need to revise or replace the faulty statements or reasoning with valid and sound ones. To do this, you need to identify the error and explain why it is an error, provide a counterexample or a counterargument to show the error, reformulate the argument with clear and precise language, avoiding ambiguity or vagueness, support the premises and conclusion with relevant and reliable evidence, avoiding bias or distortion, and acknowledge any limitations or objections to the argument, responding to them with reason and respect. By following these steps, you can successfully fix argument errors.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?