Repairing Arguments

When you discuss or read an argument, you must assume that the other person knows about the particular subject indicated in the discussion, that the other person is able to reason well, and that they are not lying. These are the principles of rational discussion, which correspond with being able to repair an argument. When repairing an argument, a premise or conclusion can be added if the argument becomes either valid or stronger, if the premise is plausible and seems to be so to the other person, and that the premise is more plausible than the conclusion.

Here is an example of an argument which needs to be repaired: When Bobby's mom left the list of chores out which Bobby usually won't complete, Bobby ran over and finished his chores right away. So Bobby needed some money. In order for this to be a good argument, a premise needs to be added, such as, "When kids hurry to get their chores finished which they usually do not want to complete, then they probably need money." This statement is plausible and makes for a good argument, because money is motivation for kids who want something and can only get it by making some cash from their parents by doing chores.