In Epstein's chapter 7, the topic that is being taught is Raising Objections. The key term that was presented was Counterarguments. When we look at the word counterarguments, I automatically think of a comeback towards an argument. Counterarguments are often used in conversations and formal arguments. A synonym of counterarguments that we hear more often is 'rebuttal'. The reasons for making a counterargument are mainly because in one's opinion, the argument is bad and that their reasoning is better. Counterarguments usually come off as interruptions, corrections, or a strong difference in opinion.
According to Epstein there are three ways to refute an argument:
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.
The book also describes this refuting as “showing that at least one of several claims is false or dubious, or collectively they are unacceptable, by drawing a false or unwanted conclusion from them” (Epstein, p. 150).
I also wrote about this topic of counterarguments. Counterargument sounds like such a big word, but really, it’s simply a “rebuttal” as you put it. And yes, it is true that we do this on an every day basis. When I look at this word, it doesn’t ‘sound’ like something we do everything. But it brings in a picture of an attorney in a courtroom or a debate. Attorneys are always ‘rebutting’ against what the other party has stated, or opponents rebut the other’s point of view in a debate. I like what you stated in this blog post. You wrote that the reason for making a counterargument is because their argument is bad and that the other person’s reasoning is better. That is definitely one way to put it.
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