How do we decide whether an argument is good?
A conclusion needs reasons; a valid pattern alone does not make its premises true.
Background and goal
No prior study required. Read the assigned passage; the route is an introduction, not a survey of the whole subject.
Write a short argument about a decision, label its premises, and test one premise with a counterexample.
Your pathway
4 steps · 3 hours- 01
Begin in fifteen minutes
0.25h · week 1Reading notes and task
First fifteen minutesWrite your initial answer to “How do we decide whether an argument is good?” in three sentences. Keep it to compare with your final answer.Your outputThree-sentence starting answer - 02
Read the argument
1h · week 1Critical ThinkingDavid Hitchcock · reference
Opening definition and the sections on abilities and dispositions
Free full text
Open the readingReading notes and task
Critical Thinking. A conclusion needs reasons; a valid pattern alone does not make its premises true.
Try thisRead Opening definition and the sections on abilities and dispositions. Mark one claim, its reason and a passage you do not yet understand.Your outputAnnotated argumentCheck your understanding
Answer this question in your own words: How do we decide whether an argument is good?
Hint
Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.
Compare with an example answer
A conclusion needs reasons; a valid pattern alone does not make its premises true.
What to look for
- States a claim that addresses the question
- Connects the claim to a passage or observation
- Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement
Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.
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- 03
Try the idea
1h · week 1Reading notes and task
Try thisWrite a short argument about a decision, label its premises, and test one premise with a counterexample.Your outputWorked exampleCheck your understanding
What would make your activity a convincing example?
Hint
Write a short argument about a decision, label its premises, and test one premise with a counterexample.
Compare with an example answer
A useful response carries out the task: Write a short argument about a decision, label its premises, and test one premise with a counterexample. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.
What to look for
- Completes the specific task
- Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
- Identifies an alternative explanation or reading
Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.
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- 04
Explain what changed
0.75h · week 1Reading notes and task
Try thisRevise your initial answer. Include one passage, one reason and one limit: A persuasive example is not a proof that a premise is always true.Your outputRevised answer with a reading referenceCheck your understanding
What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?
Hint
Test the boundary: A persuasive example is not a proof that a premise is always true.
Compare with an example answer
A persuasive example is not a proof that a premise is always true.
What to look for
- States a specific limit
- Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
- Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work
Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.
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All 1 resources
Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.
Critical Thinking
A conclusion needs reasons; a valid pattern alone does not make its premises true.
Opening definition and the sections on abilities and dispositions
Continue learning
Reasons and belief
Introduces the vocabulary and a small example before the longer study.
Virtue and attention
Introduces the vocabulary and a small example before the longer study.