The theory and practice of argumentation and debate

by Victor Alvin Ketcham

II. Argument from Cause to Effect.

1. The observed cause must be sufficient to produce the alleged effect.

2. When past experience is invoked it must show that the alleged effect has always followed the observed cause.

3. No other force must intervene to prevent the observed cause from operating to produce the alleged effect.

4. The conclusion established should be verified by positive evidence wherever possible.

III. Argument from Effect to Effect.

1. The argument must be resolved into its two parts, the argument from effect to cause, and the argument from cause to effect, and the rules under I and II applied.

EXERCISES IN ARGUMENT FROM CAUSAL RELATION

I. State the kind of argument involved in each of the following passages.

1. If a Socialist president is elected, financial disaster is sure to overtake our country.