Strong & Weak Arguments | Logical Reasoning for CLAT PDF Download

What is Statement and Argument Reasoning?

An argument is a perspective on a specific issue, backed by supporting evidence. The task involves assessing the strength of the argument, and determining whether it is weak or strong. In technical terms, an argument consists of two or more statements, including a claim or conclusion, which is supported by one or more premises (statements that provide reasons for the conclusion). Some premises may not be explicitly stated but are implied, and these are called assumptions. The Statement and Argument reasoning section includes various types of questions, such as sequence arrangement, position tests, and time sequence tests. These kinds of logical reasoning problems are commonly found in government competitive exams.

Types of Statement and Argument 

As now we know what consists of the questions related to the Statement and Argument reasoning section. Let us see the various types of questions that may come one by one from below. 

1. Weak Arguments
In weak argument reasoning, the provided arguments are either flimsy or illogical. Below are the types of weak arguments:

• Ambiguous Arguments:These arguments lack clarity on how they are related to the course of action, leaving the reader uncertain about the author’s intent. As a result, these arguments are weak.
• Superfluous Arguments:These arguments are unnecessary and fail to provide a deep analysis. They add little value, making them weak in nature.
• Question-back Arguments:In this type of argument, the person presenting the argument simply returns a question in response, rather than offering a valid point, rendering it weak.

2. Strong Arguments
In strong argument reasoning, the provided arguments are solid and persuasive. Below are the types of strong arguments:

• Established Facts: These arguments are based on facts that are widely accepted as true, making them strong and reliable.
• Experiences predict that the result will follow: These arguments rely on past experiences, suggesting that a similar result will likely occur again, thus making them strong.
• Prevailing notion of truth: These arguments are based on beliefs or ideas that are universally acknowledged or accepted as true, ensuring their strength.

How to Solve Question Based on Statement and Argument Reasoning

Candidates can find various tips and tricks from below for solving the questions related to the Statement and Argument reasoning section. 

• Tip # 1: Perform preliminary screening of the question given before solving the questions related to the statement and argument reasoning 
• Tip # 2: Check for arguments that they are not absurd or harmful in case of a strong argument. 
• Tip # 3:An argument can be rejected if it is ambiguous.

Statement and Argument Questions

Q1:Statement:Should teachers be permitted to cane unruly children?
Argument:No, this will teach them that physical violence is an acceptable means of social behavior.
Solution: The argument is strong, because it is mentioned that this will teach them that physical violence is an acceptable means of social behavior.

Q2: Statement:Import of foreign items should be banned.
Arguments:Yes. Importing foreign books is of no use.
Solution: These arguments do not delve into the core of the topic. Hence, these types of arguments are weak arguments.

Q3:Statement:Is privatizing all the schools in India the best solution to attain 100% liter- acy rate?
Argument:No, education will become unaffordable for poor people.
Solution: Argument states that education will become unaffordable for poor people if all the schools are privatized. Illiteracy is a huge problem amongst the poor sections of society. Privatization of education will make it expensive. Hence, it will not aid in attaining a 100% literacy rate, but on the contrary, work against it. Hence, this argument is strong.

Q4: Statement:Should India declare itself as a Hindu country?
Arguments:Yes, Because Hinduism is the largest religion in India, with 79.8% of the population identifying themselves as Hindu.
Solution: Besides these, there can be other types of arguments too, and these types of arguments are weak arguments.

Q5: Statement:Should learning self-defense be made compulsory for girl students?
Argument:Yes, in an environment where cases of assault on women are increasing, self-defense training becomes one essential part of women safety.
Solution: This is strong, because since cases of assault are increasing self- defense is useful for women.