IN CR, What is the difference between Weakening and Flaw

[itsmeaakash3]

Hi All

IN CR, What is the difference between Weakening the argument and Flaw in the argument ? I'll be really thankful if someone can help me understand with the help of the example.

[RonPurewal]

Hi All

IN CR, What is the difference between Weakening the argument and Flaw in the argument ? I'll be really thankful if someone can help me understand with the help of the example.

"flaw" means what it says -- a problem in the argument; a "weak point" that can be attacked.
a weakener is a statement that actually attacks that weak point.

it's like the distinction between just describing vulnerable parts of the human anatomy (such as the back of the neck) and actually attacking those parts of the body. related, sure, but certainly different.

e.g.,
My friend has started eating more food than ever before. Therefore, she should gain weight.

One flaw in this argument (certainly not the only one): The argument fails to consider whether my friend is exercising more than she did before.

One way to weaken this argument: "My friend now exercises more than at any previous point in her life, and has started walking 2 miles to and from work every day."

hope that helps

[itsmeaakash3]

Hi All

IN CR, What is the difference between Weakening the argument and Flaw in the argument ? I'll be really thankful if someone can help me understand with the help of the example.

"flaw" means what it says -- a problem in the argument; a "weak point" that can be attacked.
a weakener is a statement that actually attacks that weak point.

it's like the distinction between just describing vulnerable parts of the human anatomy (such as the back of the neck) and actually attacking those parts of the body. related, sure, but certainly different.

e.g.,
My friend has started eating more food than ever before. Therefore, she should gain weight.

One flaw in this argument (certainly not the only one): The argument fails to consider whether my friend is exercising more than she did before.

One way to weaken this argument: "My friend now exercises more than at any previous point in her life, and has started walking 2 miles to and from work every day."

hope that helps

Thanks Ron. You rock \v/

[RonPurewal]

thanks.