To refute an argument, is to counter it or prove it being false. There are three ways that an argument can be refuted: 1. Refuting directly, 2. Refuting indirectly, and 3.Attempts to refute that are bad arguments.
I would like to talk to you about refuting directly.
Refuting directly - is when you have a direct, straightforward argument to counter an argument.
Example:
Argument: It is useless and impossible for someone to learn any martial arts by sitting here, trying to catch flies with chopsticks.
Direct Refute of Argument: It is not useless or impossible for someone to learn martial arts by trying to catch flies with chopsticks. In fact, I have done it, and I have learned a form of martial arts that is important, patience.
There are a few fundamentals for direct refuting an argument. According to the book, these are:
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.
I find the idea of learning martial arts by catching flies with chopsticks very interesting. Indeed, one would need patience - also speed, dexterity and good vision.
ReplyDeleteThese are all necessary components for martial artists, so I can see the logic of your statements. It's also a good example of the 'driect refutation'.
The description of refuting an argument is detailed in describing the different types of refuting an argument and many examples of refuting an argument directly and indirectly. The description that seemed to catch my eye was the example of learning martial arts, but not by sitting down. In addition to this, it is also stated that in order to learn martial arts, there must be some form of patience, which is a direct form from saying that learning martial arts is catching a fly using chopsticks.
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