Describe a time in the discussion when someone used reasons or evidence that did not support his or her point.
In a discussion, it is not uncommon to encounter instances where someone presents reasons or evidence that do not effectively support their point. Such situations can undermine the effectiveness of the argument and hinder the progress of the discussion. Here's an example of a time when someone used inadequate reasons or evidence:
During a debate about the benefits of exercise, one participant argued that exercising for shorter durations is better than longer workouts. However, they presented only their personal opinion without any scientific data or studies to support their claim. This lack of credible evidence weakened their argument because scientific research plays a crucial role in validating claims and establishing credibility.
To identify situations like these, it's essential to critically evaluate the quality and relevance of the reasons and evidence presented. Here's how you can approach this:
1. Listen attentively: Pay close attention to the person's arguments, reasons, and evidence presented to understand the points they are trying to make.
2. Assess the credibility: Consider the credibility of the person making the claim. Do they have expertise or knowledge in the subject matter? If not, their reasons and evidence may be less reliable.
3. Evaluate the evidence: Determine if the evidence provided is based on credible sources, such as scientific journals, reputable news articles, or expert opinions. Evaluate whether the evidence is recent, relevant, and well-supported.
4. Identify logical fallacies: Look out for logical fallacies, which are flawed reasoning tactics that can weaken an argument. Common fallacies include ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and appeals to emotion.
5. Seek counterarguments: Engage in critical thinking by examining alternative viewpoints. Look for opposing evidence or arguments that may challenge the reasoning presented in the discussion.
By using these strategies to assess the quality of reasons and evidence presented in a discussion, you can identify instances where someone's support for their point is weak or inadequate.
In a discussion, there was a conversation about the benefits and drawbacks of implementing a more flexible work schedule in a company. One participant argued against the idea, stating that it would lead to decreased productivity among employees. However, when asked to provide reasons or evidence to support this claim, the participant was unable to provide any substantial data or examples to back up their point.
Instead of presenting specific studies or examples of similar situations, the participant relied heavily on personal anecdotes and generalizations. They mentioned hearing stories about employees slacking off and not being focused when given more flexibility in their work hours. However, these anecdotes were not verifiable or statistically significant, making them weak as evidence.
When others in the discussion pointed out the lack of supporting evidence, the participant struggled to provide a solid foundation for their argument. It became evident that the reasoning used was based more on personal biases and assumptions rather than factual information or research.
This instance illustrates a situation where someone utilized reasons or evidence that did not effectively support their point in the discussion about implementing a flexible work schedule.