Strengthening and weakening causation arguments

arl2202-1-1-1-1-1

For arguments that falsely conclude causation from correlation, can you strengthen the argument through an answer choice that demonstrates that the same cause has the same effect? For instance, if the argument says that a study indicated that most people who eat ice cream feel sick because of the dairy in the ice cream, and an answer choice said that most people who drink cows' milk feel sick, would that strengthen the argument? Conversely, could I weaken the argument by saying that most people who eat vegan ice cream still feel sick?

Matt Sorr

Yes, I think both choices would work. The assumption being made in the argument, as you pointed out, is one of causation. For a strengthening question, since you’re not being asked to make the argument valid, an answer choice that makes the causation seem more likely (or even definite) works. The same goes for weakening questions.

Is there a specific question that caused you to ask this? Like is there a question that had a answer choice like your example that was wrong?