Questions:
Four Test of Argument's Worthiness.
Choose an argument and apply the following tests:
1. Test of Truthfulness: The reason is true in each of its premises, explicit and implicit.
2. Test of Logical Strength: If the reason were true, then the conclusion (claim) would be true or very probably true.
3. Test of Relevance: The truth of the claim depends on the truth of the reason.
4. Test of Non-Circularity: The truth of the reason does not depend on the truth of the claim
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Four Tests of an Argument's Worthiness
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Test Name
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Order of Application
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Test Condition
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Test of Truthfulness of the Premisis
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First
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The reason is true in each of its premises, explicit and implicit.
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Test of Logical Strength
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Second
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If the reason were true, then the conclusion (claim) would be true or very probably true.
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Test of Relevance
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Third
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The truth of the claim depends on the truth of the reason.
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Test of Non-Circularity
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Fourth
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The truth of the reason does not depend on the truth of the claim
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Think of an argument that you witnessed, read about, or experienced.
• Use the four tests above for evaluating argument to quickly take notes on the argument that you selected.
• Describe your selected argument in one paragraph, and then share your observations in 1-2 paragraphs. Did your argument pass the tests? Did it fail the tests?