The Tests for an Argument to Be good.

There are three ways to test out an argument to determine whether or not the argument is considered to be "good".  From reading Epstein's "Critical Thinking", the three tests that were mentioned are:

1. The premises are plausible, easily to understand,

2. The premises are more plausible than the conclusion, easier to comprehend and more sensible than the conclusion.

3. The argument is valid or strong. An example of a good argument must be strongly developed and have valid reasons to back it up.

Good arguments can either be considered strong or valid arguments. Sometimes arguments that fall under "strong arguments" can be seen as a better argument than a "valid argument" because it carries reasons in its statement. Strong arguments are based on pure opinion and feeling. Although strong arguments are only plausible and not completely true, they can seem that way. An example of a good argument is: "Wine is good for your cardiovascular health." This is a good argument because it is plausible and an opinion which can lead to a conclusion of "People drink wine for their health."