Western Governors University (WGU) PHIL1020 D265 Critical Thinking: Reason and Evidence Practice Exam

A good argument is defined by its premises providing actual support for the conclusion. This means that the premises must be logically relevant and contribute to a coherent justification of the conclusion being proposed. For an argument to be sound and persuasive, the premises need to not only be true or acceptable but also establish a direct connection that strengthens the argument. When the premises are substantiated with credible evidence and reasoning, they bolster the argument's overall validity.

In contrast, when premises fail to support the conclusion, as noted in one of the options, the argument is weakened and potentially misleading. Similarly, premises based solely on emotional appeal or common beliefs may lack the rigorous logical structure necessary for a strong argument. These approaches do not adequately ensure that the conclusion is well-founded or logically derived. Therefore, the essence of a good argument lies in the supportive nature of its premises in relation to its conclusion.