Week 7, Post 2
So far the book had been teaching us how to make the best strong, valid arguments but never how to refute back. There are two ways to refute; either directly or indirectly. We also learned how to repair arguments however when an argument is needs to be fixed, we can use it to our advantage. Instead of repairing the argument, we can follow the following guidelines to refute:
Direct ways of refuting an argument
1. Show that at least one of the premises is dubious.
2. Show that the argument isn't valid or strong.
3. Show that the conclusion is false.
Dan says mosquito repellents are a waste of money and it does not work. The only time Dan does not get a mosquito bite when he goes camping is during his swim in the lake. Therefore, to save money and keep mosquitoes away from camp sites are to camp near a lake.
Directly: Rena can argue back by saying that repellents work if you use it all over your body and Dan only put it on his arms and got bit by a mosquito on his leg.
Indirectly: Rena does not refute back but instead shows Dan that his conclusion is false. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water which means there are actually more mosquitoes at campsites near lakes or ponds.
I like how you broke down everything that the book taught us about refuting arguments- you made it very clear and understandable. I too noticed that there was nothing in the book so far about fighting an argument that you just don’t agree with, and I have keeping my eye out for it the whole time. Sure its nice to make a strong argument and great to be able to repair them when they are flawed, but sometimes the basis is just not right and now we finally have the option to fight and refute!
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