Counterarguments

There are two ways to refute an argument - directly and indirectly.

When refuting directly, there are three fundamental ways:
1. Show that at least one premise is ambiguous.
2. Show that the argument is invalid or weak.
3. show that the conclusion is wrong.

How can one refute an argument directly?
- You can object to one of the statements.
- You can agree with the statement, but not the conclusion.
- You can attack the conclusion.

Example;
Jane: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are my favorite, therefore, they are the best sandwiches.
- Tammy may agree that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is delicious, but she doesn't think they are the best. She likes grilled cheese more. Does that mean that those are the best? It all depends on personal experience and tastes.


In refuting an argument indirectly, you are reducing to the absurd, which is to show that at least one of the many claims is false or unacceptable by drawing an unwanted conclusion.

Example;
A couple has three children, two girls and one boy (the boy being the youngest). They want one more boy, so they feel that they must have at least two more kids.
- They don't need to have two more kids just to be sure to have a boy. The fourth child can be the next boy. They might end up with two more girls if they try twice. Also, if they can afford it, they can do artificial insemination or have a surrogate mother.