[Music] assess arguments to determine how credible they are you determine whether an argument is plausible authentic or convincing by evaluating the validity and the strength of the supporting evidence if the evidence is objective and factual you can accept the argument's conclusion is true follow the steps outlined in this credibility assessment decision model to assess The credibility of an argument first identify the conclusion this is a judgment or decision reached by reasoning then identify the premise which is what you claim or contend and then ask does the conclusion follow the premise if no reject if yes
ask yourself are the premises reasonable if no reject and if yes accept as a credible assessment let's take a look at the Essential Elements of assessing credibility instead of labeling an argument as good bad true or false argument whose premises clearly support the conclusion are said to be valid a valid argument has a conclusion that logically follows from premises if an argument is valid and the premises is true the conclusion must be true an argument is valid if it logically follows the premise even if the premise is false it is considered a sound argument if
the premise are also true examine the evidence that someone presents and judge whether it's accurate do not accept the conclusion unless the argument itself self is sound consider the source of information that you consider as you solve problems and make decisions generally speaking the more knowledgeable and expert a person the source is the more credible their information people with firsthand knowledge or direct observations are usually more credible than those with secondhand information respected books media outlets and websites are preferable to tabloids talk shows and personal blogs claims that experts or authorities make are typically credible
and reliable an expert is someone who through education experience or special training has thorough knowledge of a subject for example you can take the arguments from Engineers medical doctors and attorneys more seriously than those of lay people however don't assume an expert is in one area is an authority in others for example don't rely on a physician for investment advice finally compare claims to your own background knowledge which is the collection of beliefs facts experiences and observations you have assembled during life common sense is also part of your background you are more likely to dismiss
claims that conflict with your background knowledge though you should keep an open mind accept cred comparable claims as plausible and worthy of additional consideration
