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This page was translated from the German original, partly by machine. Some passages may read awkwardly or contain inaccuracies. When in doubt, please read the original.

Characteristics of good arguments

A good argument is distinguished by several quality characteristics, which we will examine more closely in what follows.

Clarity​

A good argument is clearly formulated. This means:

  • The terms used are precisely defined and used consistently.
  • The structure of the argument is recognizable: premises and conclusion can be clearly distinguished.
  • Complex ideas are broken down into understandable 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, so 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 a success rate of 85% in clinical studies with thousands of patients. Therefore it is probably effective for your case as well.

Example of an argument with irrelevant premises:​

This treatment method is recommended by a famous doctor who has already treated many celebrities. Therefore it is probably 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 justified or plausible.

Example of an argument with adequate premises:​

The average temperature on Earth has risen by 1°C over 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 especially cold in my town last winter. 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 shown to be 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 were white. Therefore probably all swans are 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 takes into account the strength of the conclusion in relation to the strength of the premises. The stronger or more far-reaching the claim, the stronger the evidence that 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.

Examples 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.

I smoke because it isn't really that dangerous. My grandma smoked all her life and died at 96. My neighbor, a vegetarian jogger, kicked the bucket at 45.