The Three Tests

There are three ways to test out an argument to determine whether or not the argument is considered to be "good".  From reading Epstein's "Critical Thinking", the three tests that were mentioned are: 1. The premises are plausible, 2. The premises are more plausible than the conclusion, 3. The argument is valid or strong. An example of a good argument must fulfill the ideas of these tests.  The thing about good arguments is that they can either be considered strong or valid as well.  Sometimes arguments that fall under "strong arguments" can be seen as a better argument than a "valid argument".  This is true because strong arguments are based on pure opinion and feeling.  Although strong arguments are only plausible and not completely true, they can seem that way.  An example of a good argument is: "Top Gun is one of the most sought after rides at Great America." This is a good argument because it is plausible and an opinion which can lead to a possibly conclusion of "Top Gun is the best ride at Great America".