Ideological Reasoning: Tests of Argument Strength Essay (Critical Writing)

Summary

The Veracity Test, or test of truthfulness, is used when assessing the authenticity of an argument. In this test, one will attentively examine the offered arguments. If the reasons are valid, then the argument will satisfy the test for veracity.

The Test of Logical Strength is used when evaluating an argument’s logical strength. In this case, one examines the claim and the justification. If the reason proves to be accurate, it is probable that the premise will also be accurate.

This examination of Relevance focuses on the explanations and the conclusion. Simply said, the relevance of the assertion is dependent on the veracity of the supplied rationale.

The Non-Circularity Test determines that an argument is weak if the reason and the claim express the same point.

Examples of Arguments

1. A person illegally entering the country is breaking the law and is a criminal. Therefore, the amendment that requires the incarceration and deportation of all illegal immigrants should be supported.
2. Government policies and laws that destroy the family unit are bad. Therefore, the amendment that would separate a family by deporting a parent or child should be opposed.
3. All things made of plants are healthy. Cigarettes are made of plants. Therefore, cigarettes are healthy.
4. People are fundamentally good. Therefore, it is wrong to take away people’s freedom.
5. People are fundamentally bad. Therefore, additional individual liberty will lead to greater societal disintegration.

Ideological Assumptions

1. Person illegally entering the country is breaking the law and is a criminal.
2. Government policies and laws that destroy the family unit are bad.
3. All things made of plants are healthy.
4. People are fundamentally good.
5. People are fundamentally bad.

Tests of Argument Strength

1. This argument passes the first test as its premises are true. In terms of logical strength, the argument is valid. The relevance of the conclusion is definite. The reason and the claim are non-circular. Consequently, the argument passes all four tests.
2. This argument passes the first test as its premises are true. In terms of logical strength, the argument is valid. The relevance of the conclusion is definite. The reason and the claim are non-circular. Consequently, the argument passes all four tests.
3. This argument does not pass the first test as its premises are false. In terms of logical strength, the argument is invalid. The relevance of the conclusion is doubtful. The reason and the claim are non-circular. Consequently, the argument only non-circularity test, but fails in other tests.
4. In this argument it is impossible to determine the truthfulness of the argument which immediately fails the first test. The logical test, under the assumption that the truthfulness of the assumption is granted could be considered as passed. The relevance of the conclusion is difficult to determine but connection certainly persist, perhaps it is possible to consider that this test was completed. The reason and the claim are non-circular. Consequently, the argument does not pass the test of truthfulness due to the ideological nature of the argument – it does not provide a universally acceptable truth.
5. In this argument, it is difficult to assess the validity of the argument, which fails the first criteria instantly. Under the premise that the validity of the assumption is acknowledged, the logical test might be judged to have been passed. It is difficult to establish the significance of the conclusion, but given that connections exist, it is feasible to conclude that this test has been passed. Reason and assertion are not circular. Consequently, the argument does not satisfy the test of honesty owing to the ideological character of the argument – it does not present a generally acknowledged truth.