Chapter 7

Raising Objections

In Epstein, the key term that was presented is counterarguments, or more commonly known as a rebuttal. Counterarguments are often used in conversations and formal arguments. The reason people use counterarguments are usually because in one's opinion, the argument is bad and another reasoning is better. Counterarguments usually come off as interruptions, corrections, or a strong difference in opinion.

According to Epstein there are three ways to refute 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.

The book also describes this refuting as “showing that at least one of several claims is false or dubious, or collectively they are unacceptable, by drawing a false or unwanted conclusion from them” (Epstein, p. 150).

Refuting an Argument

In Epstein page 149, it states that to directly refute an argument the following has to occur:

•                Show that at least one of the premises is dubious.

•                Show that the argument isn’t valid or strong.

•                Show that the conclusion is false.

An example of this action would be like the following:

Driving on the freeway is useless. The freeway is always busy. Carpool is the fastest lane to use on the freeway, but you can only use the freeway if there are two or more passengers in the car. Therefore, when driving only short distances use the side streets.

You can refute this argument by pointing out that freeways are not always busy. The argument is not very strong because its premises and conclusion are weak. The conclusion is also false. With all these factors the argument can easily be refuted.