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Characteristics of Good Arguments

A good argument is characterized by several quality features that we will examine more closely below.

Clarity​

A good argument is clearly formulated. This means:

  • The terms used are precisely defined and consistently applied.
  • The structure of the argument is recognizable: premises and conclusion are clearly distinguishable.
  • Complex ideas are broken down into comprehensible parts.

Example of a clear argument: "Since all mammals have lungs (Premise 1) and whales are mammals (Premise 2), whales have lungs (Conclusion)."

Example of an unclear argument: "Whales are somehow different from fish, therefore they must breathe in a different way."

Relevance​

The premises of a good argument are relevant to the conclusion. They actually contribute to supporting the conclusion.

Example of an argument with relevant premises: "This treatment method has shown an 85% success rate in clinical studies with thousands of patients. Therefore, it is likely to be effective for your case as well."

Example of an argument with irrelevant premises: "This treatment method is recommended by a famous doctor who has treated many celebrities. Therefore, it is likely to be effective for your case as well."

Adequacy​

The premises of a good argument are adequate, i.e., they are sufficient to support the conclusion, and they are themselves well-founded or plausible.

Example of an argument with adequate premises: "The average temperature on Earth has risen by 1°C in the last 100 years (well-documented fact). Human activities have increased the CO2 content in the atmosphere (well-documented fact). CO2 is a greenhouse gas that stores heat in the atmosphere (scientifically established mechanism). Therefore, human activities contribute to global warming."

Example of an argument with inadequate premises: "It was particularly cold last winter in my city. Therefore, global warming is a myth."

Refutability​

A good argument is in principle refutable, i.e., there are possible conditions under which it could be proven false. Arguments that are formulated in such a way that they cannot be refuted under any circumstances are often problematic.

Example of a refutable argument: "All swans observed so far have been white. Therefore, all swans are probably white." (This argument could be refuted by observing a non-white swan.)

Example of a non-refutable argument: "There are invisible spirits that disappear as soon as one tries to measure or observe them." (This argument is constructed in such a way that it cannot be refuted.)

Proportionality​

A good argument considers the strength of the conclusion in relation to the strength of the premises. The stronger or more far-reaching the claim, the stronger evidence is needed.

Example of a proportionate argument: "Several controlled studies have shown that this medication is effective in about 60% of patients with this condition. Therefore, it could be an option for your treatment, although there is no guarantee of success."

Example of a disproportionate argument: "My neighbor took this medication and felt better. Therefore, it will definitely work for you too and eliminate all your symptoms."