Week 3 Discussion #1

In order for an argument to be considered good, there are three tests. These tests include checking if the premises are plausible, checking if the premises are more plausible than the conclusion, and considering the validity or strength of an argument. Although there are three tests, each test is independent from each other. If one fails to pass and the others hold true, an argument can still be considered good.

Example:

Eating 2,000-2,600 calories a day is healthy.

Katherine eats 2,100 calories on a daily basis.

Therefore, Katherine is healthy.

In this argument, the premises can be plausible. Though the average amount of calories one consumes may be true to many people, it does not mean it holds true for everyone. Each person has a different metabolism rate and a different exercise routine. For instance, Michael Phelps, a gold medal Olympian, consumes about 12,000 calories a day. This does not mean he is unhealthy because he burns off those calories while he trains for swimming. As for Katherine, she may have the same regimen as Michael Phelps and would need about 10,000 calories in order to avoid malnutrition.

The conclusion is valid IF the definition of healthy is based on the average daily intake of calories. However, there are many factors that play into being healthy such as diet and exercise, not only the amount of calories. Furthermore, if Katherine eats more or less on some days, does that mean she is healthy only on a few occasions? As a result, the premises are incorrect, making the conclusion invalid. This argument is bad.

This argument is invalid and weak because it fails to consider other aspects that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. If a person does not exercise and eats 2,000-2,600 calories a day, that person is not healthy. There should be a ratio between exercise and calorie intake. We do not know Katherine’s daily routine, so therefore we do not know if she is healthy or not.