What does it mean for an argument to be cogent?

An argument is considered cogent when it possesses true premises and provides strong support for its conclusion. This means that for an argument to be sound and reliable, not only must the premises be factually accurate, but they must also effectively support the conclusion in a manner that is convincing. Cogency emphasizes the combination of true premises with a logical connection to the conclusion, making the argument robust and rationally persuasive. This is essential in critical thinking as it underscores the importance of both factual accuracy and logical coherence in forming valid arguments.

The other options do not adequately capture the essence of a cogent argument. While a valid structure is important, validity alone does not guarantee that the argument is cogent since it might still contain false premises. Intuition and persuasion might play a role in how arguments are received but do not determine their cogency. Similarly, reliance on emotional appeals may sway an audience, but it does not inherently contribute to the logical soundness or factual correctness of an argument.