Argument Analysis

I was given the task of analyzing three arguments revolving around adolescents and situations that they may encounter. I will proceed to identify each argument, make its expression more complete by identifying any hidden premises, and evaluate the validity of each argument, that is, that the reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. The first argument that I will analyze and refine is this: Low grades on a college transcript are a handicap …

…s opinions. Therefore, debate classes promote intolerance. Intolerance is not desired on a college campus; therefore, debating courses have no place on a college campus. The argument’s conclusion is not valid, because even though debate classes involve some degree of intolerance and intolerance may not be desired on college campuses, the shared quality is not sufficient reason to say that the two are alike and that debating courses are not desired on college campuses.