Discuss briefly the similarities and differences between strong and weak arguments, and cogent and uncogent arguments. Support your discussion with your own example?
Strong and weak arguments and cogent and uncogent arguments are terms used in the field of logic to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of an argument. Here are the similarities and differences between these types of arguments:
Similarities:
1. Both strong and weak arguments, as well as cogent and uncogent arguments, are evaluated based on the evidence and reasoning presented.
2. In both cases, the conclusion of the argument is being assessed for its strength and plausibility.
3. The evaluation of both types of arguments requires an analysis of the premises and the logical connection between them.
Differences:
1. Strong and weak arguments focus on the logical strength of an argument. A strong argument is one where the premises provide good reasons to accept the conclusion, while a weak argument lacks logical support for the conclusion. On the other hand, cogent and uncogent arguments assess the overall quality of an argument, including not only the logical strength but also the persuasiveness and relevance of the premises.
For example:
Argument 1:
Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded.
Premise 2: Dogs are mammals.
Conclusion: Therefore, dogs are warm-blooded.
This argument is strong because the premises (1 and 2) logically support the conclusion. Given that all mammals are warm-blooded and dogs are mammals, it logically follows that dogs are warm-blooded. Thus, this argument is strong.
Argument 2:
Premise 1: All cats are black.
Premise 2: I have a cat.
Conclusion: Therefore, my cat is black.
This argument is weak because the premises (1 and 2) do not provide sufficient logical support for the conclusion. The fact that all cats are not black makes the first premise false, rendering the argument weak.
2. Cogent and uncogent arguments consider not only the logical strength but also the plausibility and persuasiveness of the premises. A cogent argument is one where the premises are true, relevant, and strong enough to support the conclusion. An uncogent argument lacks one or more of these qualities and fails to convince.
For example:
Argument 1:
Premise 1: Studies have shown that 90% of smokers die from smoking-related diseases.
Premise 2: John is a smoker.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is likely that John will die from a smoking-related disease.
This argument is cogent because the premises are true (assuming the statistics are accurate), relevant to the conclusion, and strong enough to support the likelihood of John dying from a smoking-related disease.
Argument 2:
Premise 1: Sarah is a lawyer, and all lawyers are rich.
Premise 2: Sarah is rich.
Conclusion: Therefore, Sarah must be a lawyer.
This argument is uncogent because the premises, although relevant, are not necessarily true. Not all lawyers are rich, and therefore, the first premise is flawed. Consequently, this argument lacks persuasiveness and does not pass the cogency criteria.
In conclusion, strong and weak arguments focus on the logical strength, while cogent and uncogent arguments assess the overall quality, including logical strength, plausibility, and persuasiveness. Evaluating arguments based on these criteria allows for a more thorough analysis of their validity and effectiveness.