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Exercise: Analysis and Evaluation of Arguments

Analyze and evaluate the following arguments. In doing so, identify:

  • The explicit premises and the conclusion
  • Hidden assumptions
  • The type of argument (deductive, inductive, abductive)
  • The strength of the argument (strong, medium, weak)
  • Possible improvements to the argument

Argument 1:​

"Most politicians are corrupt. Hans is a politician. Therefore, Hans is probably corrupt."

Argument 2:​

"Either we lower taxes, or the economy will collapse. We cannot afford for the economy to collapse. So we must lower taxes."

Argument 3:​

"For the last three years, it has always rained on the first weekend in July. Therefore, it will also rain this year on the first weekend in July."

Argument 4:​

"Studies have shown that people who meditate regularly experience less stress. Maria wants to reduce her stress. Therefore, Maria should meditate regularly."

Argument 5:​

"If the sun shines, the snow will melt. The snow is melting. So the sun is shining."