Weakening and Strengthening Arguments

Flashcards based on lecture notes about weakening and strengthening arguments.

What are some indicator words in weakening questions?

Most undermines, Most weakens, Evaluate, Most reasonably be concluded, Figures, Role played, Most vulnerable, If true, If valid, Most vulnerable to criticism

What are some examples of weak words to look for in answers?

A, Some, Many, Similar, Either, Intended, Attempt, Hypothesis, Possibility, Would, Could, Can

What are some question words to look for that might weaken an argument?

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, Which, Question(ing)

What should you look for in answers regarding negation and strong language?

Look for negative language in the answers and strong language in the answers.

What direction indicators signal a negative?

However, But, Yet, Not, No, To be, Cause, Decrease

What should you consider when analyzing direction with two passages?

Conclusions need to match in direction (Both negative= negative answer; Both positive = positive answer; One negative/one positive= don’t use direction)

Which tenses are generally acceptable?

Past and present tenses are generally acceptable, but future tenses must be in the conclusion.

When should professions or roles be eliminated?

If the profession or role is not legal or law related.

What word endings should you look for to make comparisons?

-er, -est, -ly, Than

What words indicate conditionals?

If

What are some indicator words in strengthening questions?

Principles, Most justifies, Most supports, Expresses the conclusion, Resolve the discrepancy, Properly inferred

What are some examples of strong words to look for in answers?

The, All, Any, Every, Total, Every single one, Require, Need, Must, Knowledge, Premise, Guarantees

What are some helping (auxiliary) verbs?

Are, Is, Was, Were, Has, Have, Had

What modifier words weaken helping verbs?

Could, Can, May, Might

What are some prefixes that indicate negative direction?

co(hesion), (ir)responsible, (un)necessary, (a)pathy, (non)truthful, (dis)like