SSH 105 Chapter 1: Introduction
12 Jan 2017
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An argument has rational strength when its premises provide good reasons to believe its conclusion. An argument has rhetorical power when people tend to be convinced by it. An argument (or written passage containing an argument) has literary merit when it is well written. There is little connection between the two kinds of argument. When people yell at one another, they usually disagree about something and each is attempting to convince the other of his or her respective point of view. This has little to do with careful reasoning about issues. Rhetorical power = being persuasive, speaking clearly and logically, having a confident and honest appearance (i. e, the way the argument is presented; may include literary merit when it is well written). These are superficial features that do not lead to the truth and strength of the argument itself. Rational strength = provides good reason (premise) to believe the conclusion is true.
