FORCE
The word force is used with three different meanings:
-
- Argument from or by force, see threat -promise
- Force of circumstances, see weight of circumstances
- Force of an argument, see strength
The graded concept of the strength of an argument contrasts with the binary notion of valid or invalid argumentation. An argument is strong (or weak) either in itself or in relation to another argument. This strength is evaluated according to different criteria.
1. Inherent strength of an argument scheme
In scientific fields, to be strong an argument must first of all be valid. That is, it must be developed according to a method that is accepted in the given scientific field.
However, an argument can be valid and not so strong, i.e., really relevant and interesting for the discussion of this or that hypothesis.
From a philosophical point of view, one might consider that some argument schemes are inherently stronger than others. The strength of an argument is thus determined on the basis of ontology. An adept of moral realism will consider that an argument based on the nature and definition of things is stronger than a pragmatic argument; a practical mind will think the opposite.
2. Strength and effectiveness
With respect to a goal such as persuasion, the strongest argument will be the most efficient, the argument that most quickly achieves the arguer’s goal, whether it is selling a product or electing a president. A degree of strength can be assigned to the argument based on an impact study carried out on the relevant target population, S. Persuasion.
3. Strength of an argument and acceptability by an audience
The New Rhetoric defines the strength of the argument according to the extent and quality of the audiences that accept it, S. Persuade, Convince.
4. Strength and linguistic reinforcement of arguments
Two arguments that lead to the same conclusion belong to the same argumentative class. Both provide some support to this conclusion; they share the same orientation.
Within the same argumentative class, the strength of an argument may be determined by some objective gradation, such as the scale of temperature, or it may simply be assigned to the argument by the speaker, who values such argument over another. The hierarchization is marked by the means of argumentative morphemes (e.g., even) and realizing or de-realizing modifiers. The resulting arrangements of the arguments on an argumentative scales are governed by the laws of discourse.