31 Strengthening and Weakening Arguments

31.1 Introduction

Critical reasoning questions often ask you to strengthen or weaken a given argument.
This requires analyzing the assumptions, evidence, and logic in the argument, and then identifying what kind of new information would make the argument stronger or weaker.

31.2 1) Strengthening an Argument

To strengthen, add information that: - Provides supporting evidence.
- Confirms the assumption the argument relies on.
- Removes doubts or counters objections.
- Makes the conclusion more credible.

Examples of strengthening information: - Reliable data, statistics, surveys.
- Expert opinions or research findings.
- Historical or logical precedents.

31.3 2) Weakening an Argument

To weaken, add information that: - Shows the assumption is false.
- Provides a counterexample.
- Brings in an alternative explanation.
- Raises doubts about feasibility or evidence.

Examples of weakening information: - Contradictory data.
- Practical obstacles.
- Exceptions or special cases.

31.4 3) Examples

31.4.1 Example 1

Argument: Online education is better than classroom education because it saves time and money.

Strengthen: A study shows that students in online programs score higher on average.
Weaken: Employers report that online degrees are less valued than classroom degrees.

31.4.2 Example 2

Argument: A ban on diesel vehicles will reduce city pollution.

Strengthen: Data shows that 70% of the city’s air pollution is caused by diesel vehicles.
Weaken: Studies reveal that industrial emissions, not diesel vehicles, are the primary cause of pollution.

31.4.3 Example 3

Argument: Government should increase tax on junk food to reduce obesity.

Strengthen: Evidence shows countries that imposed junk food tax saw reduced consumption.
Weaken: Research shows that people continue to buy junk food despite higher prices.

31.4.4 Example 4

Argument: Allowing work-from-home increases employee productivity.

Strengthen: Surveys show employees working from home finish tasks faster and with fewer errors.
Weaken: Reports suggest that many employees face distractions at home, lowering output.

31.5 4) Common Traps

Do not confuse restating the argument with strengthening it.
Strengthening must add new relevant support, not just repeat the claim.
Weakening must attack the assumption or conclusion, not irrelevant details.
Extreme answers are usually wrong unless directly justified.

31.6 5) Practice Questions

Argument: Renewable energy is the best solution to India’s power shortage.
- Strengthen option?
- Weaken option?
Argument: School uniforms should be made compulsory.
- Strengthen option?
- Weaken option?
Argument: Tourism boosts the economy of developing nations.
- Strengthen option?
- Weaken option?
Argument: Investing in gold is safer than investing in stocks.
- Strengthen option?
- Weaken option?
Argument: Increasing public transport reduces traffic congestion.
- Strengthen option?
- Weaken option?

31.7 6) Suggested Answers

Strengthen: Data shows renewable sources can meet 70% of demand.
Weaken: Renewable energy is unreliable due to weather fluctuations.
Strengthen: Uniforms promote equality among students.
Weaken: Uniforms suppress individuality and creativity.
Strengthen: Statistics show tourism generates 20% of GDP in many countries.
Weaken: Over-reliance on tourism makes economies unstable during crises.
Strengthen: Historical data shows gold prices remain stable during recessions.
Weaken: Stocks provide higher returns in the long run compared to gold.
Strengthen: Surveys show cities with better public transport have less congestion.
Weaken: Private vehicle ownership continues to rise despite public transport improvements.

31.8 Summary

To strengthen, add supportive evidence or confirm assumptions.
To weaken, add counterexamples or challenge assumptions.
Always focus on the logic of the conclusion.
Strong answers are direct, relevant, and logical.
Practice is key to mastering these reasoning patterns.