Premise and Conclusion Analysis #5

[gtrulli]

Hello! I have a question regarding this drill in the textbook:

"Many cultures share taboos concerning watching others eat. Some anthropologists have argued that these taboos arise from concerns about appropriate conduct around relatives, guests, and strangers; others suggest that the taboos relate to historical resource scarcity and famine. Undoubtedly, both hypotheses are correct Social rules that prohibit certain behaviors are common to nearly all societies, and these prohibitions often arise from practical concerns about maintaining order and self-preservation"

The book states that the argument is somewhat weak. Why is it weak if he is stating that "without doubt" these conclusions are both correct? The book also mentions that the conclusion is too strong, and if he had lessened the degree of certainty the argument would have been easier to accept. Why is this the case?
In short, I am confused as to why if the conclusion is strong, the argument is weak?

[Dave Killoran]

Hi G,

Thanks for the question! Let's go through some of your concerns here and work this out.

Let's first look at the author's conclusion that "Undoubtedly, both hypotheses are correct." Think about how forceful that statement is. The author is saying there's no doubt that both are correct. But is that true? Is it possible there's some doubt? I'd say so. And that's why we say the conclusion is too strong. Not as in strong meaning unchallengeable or perfectly made, but too strong as in too far, too forceful, too much based on the premises.

Now, if an author goes too far in making a conclusion, then that inherently weakens the overall argument. Imagine an argument where the author says: "I bought a lottery ticket today and the drawing is tonight. Therefore, without a doubt I will be a lottery winner tomorrow." that conclusion is too strong for the strength of the premises given. How to make that argument better? Lessen the degree of certainty, as in: "I bought a lottery ticket today and the drawing is tonight. Therefore, I might be a lottery winner tomorrow."

So, the premises do not support a conclusion as strong or as forceful as the one in the problem, so the argument is somewhat weak. But if we lessened the degree of uncertainty, then the argument would be better.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!