What is a characteristic of a "weakening" question?

What is a characteristic of a "weakening" question?

• A. It seeks to confirm the argument's conclusion
• B. It aims to illustrate the argument's potential flaws
• C. It emphasizes the strength of the underlying premise
• D. It encourages the acceptance of assumptions

Answer: (B)

A characteristic of a "weakening" question is that it aims to illustrate the argument's potential flaws. This type of question is designed to challenge the strength or validity of the argument presented. By presenting evidence or reasoning that undermines the argument's conclusion, a weakening question prompts the test-taker to identify aspects of the argument that might be insufficient, flawed, or overly simplistic. In the context of logical reasoning, weakening questions require test-takers to look for information that could make the argument less convincing. Since the core purpose of the question is to find weaknesses within the argument's structure or reasoning, it is essential to focus on how new information could diminish the persuasiveness of the conclusion drawn by the argument. Thus, selecting the option that describes the intent to illustrate these flaws aligns accurately with the nature of weakening questions.

A characteristic of a "weakening" question is that it aims to illustrate the argument's potential flaws. This type of question is designed to challenge the strength or validity of the argument presented. By presenting evidence or reasoning that undermines the argument's conclusion, a weakening question prompts the test-taker to identify aspects of the argument that might be insufficient, flawed, or overly simplistic.

In the context of logical reasoning, weakening questions require test-takers to look for information that could make the argument less convincing. Since the core purpose of the question is to find weaknesses within the argument's structure or reasoning, it is essential to focus on how new information could diminish the persuasiveness of the conclusion drawn by the argument. Thus, selecting the option that describes the intent to illustrate these flaws aligns accurately with the nature of weakening questions.