Exploring Weaknesses in an Arguement
by Makayla Macleod
1. Evaluate the relevance
1.1. If claim is not relevant you can discount the arguement
1.2. Make sure the claim relates to the conclusion
1.3. Don't buy into a well-done argument that it's claims are not related
2. Consider How to Test the Claims and Premises
2.1. Scientific approach test ideas
2.2. Arguments verify correctness
2.3. Don't accept a claim you cannot test
3. Look for Dubious Assumptions
3.1. Assumptions are claims that you think are valid
3.2. They are unlikely to happen
3.3. Give more weight to arguments with fewer assumptions
4. Compare the Argument to Other Data, Observations, and Ideas
4.1. The idea can be creative
4.2. Argument should be consistent with other accepted ideas
4.3. Critical thinkers compare information for incompatibilities
5. Identify Alternative Explanations
5.1. If two things happen at the same time they might just be coincidences
5.2. Just because X might cause Y in one situation, doesn't mean it will in another
