In the context of Evaluate The Argument, what is the best way to assess whether a choice strengthens or weakens the argument?

• A. Consider whether it, if true, makes the conclusion more or less likely.
• B. Consider whether it introduces a new, conflicting data.
• C. Consider whether it supports a different conclusion.
• D. Consider whether it repeats a premise.

Answer: (A)

The core idea is to judge how the new information affects the likelihood of the conclusion being true. The best way to assess strengthening or weakening is to ask: if this new information were true, would the conclusion become more probable or less probable? If it makes the conclusion more likely, the argument is strengthened; if it makes it less likely, the argument is weakened. This focus on how the evidence shifts the conclusion’s probability is why this approach is most reliable. Merely introducing data that conflicts with the conclusion only matters insofar as it actually lowers the odds of the conclusion; repeating a premise doesn’t add new support; and supporting a different conclusion doesn’t address the strength of the original argument.