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 rain on the first weekend in July this year too."

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