Question

For each of the following argument, indicate whether it is valid or invalid, strong or weak.?
1) Alice says that nothing is sacred. So intolerance toward other religions is okay.
2) Social welfare is by definition a handout to people who have not worked for it. But giving people money that they have not earned through labor is not helping anyone. It follows then that social welfare does not help anyone.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Invalid and weak

2. Invalid and strong.

Explanation:

The first argument does not present statements that support and justify it and for that reason, we can consider it a weak argument. In addition, the conclusion of the argument is not consistent with its premise, presenting a fallacy and causing wrong reasoning, which shows that the argument is invalid.

Similarly, the second argument has a conclusion that contradicts the information shown above, which invalidates the argument. However, the argument presents additional information that can support and justify it, for this reason, we can consider it a strong argument.