Answer Option that strenthens the premise.

[goelmohit2002]

Hi All,

Let's say there is an argument X which has Premises say P1 and P2. Conclusion is C.

If an answer option strengthens say P1(not C)...then does that option
a) automatically strengthens C
b) has no effect on C
c) can strenghten or cannot strengthen depending on context( if you think this option is correct, then can you please give one e.g.)

[RonPurewal]

Hi All,

Let's say there is an argument X which has Premises say P1 and P2. Conclusion is C.

If an answer option strengthens say P1(not C)...then does that option
a) automatically strengthens C
b) has no effect on C
c) can strenghten or cannot strengthen depending on context( if you think this option is correct, then can you please give one e.g.)

hi -

you can't strengthen factual premises. if a premise is stated as a fact, then it's a fact; you can't "strengthen" a fact.

if a premise itself is a claim, then you could strengthen the entire argument by adding some extra premise solidifying it. most commonly, though, you will strengthen an argument by strengthening the connections between the premises and the conclusion, rather than the premises/conclusion themselves.

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in any case, though, this problem is extremely difficult to address without a specific example. do you have such an example in mind? what was the particular example that inspired this question in the first place?