- Tue May 02, 2017 7:00 pm
#34487
Thanks for asking this question!
When someone "qualifies" a conclusion, it means that they weigh it down with conditions or other variables that make the argument weaker.
Here's an example of an argument with a qualified conclusion:
"If you invest your money in the stock market, in 5 years you will increase your money by 40 percent, provided that the economy doesn't experience any shocks or recessions."
The "provided that" really tanks this argument, doesn't it?
Here's the same argument without the qualifier: "If you invest your money in the stock market, in 5 years you will increase your money by 40 percent."
It's a much stronger argument, and one that actually allows you to draw conclusions and make inferences.
So, with that in mind, here's an example of a weaken question with a qualified conclusion:
Stock adviser: If you invest your money in the stock market, in 5 years you will increase your money by 40 percent, provided that the economy doesn't experience any shocks or recessions.
Weaken answer: Throughout history, a shock or recession in the economy has occurred, on average, every 5 years.
Here's a second example:
Advertisement: First-time home buyers who were approved for our premium loans saved an average of $10,000 on their mortgage! If you're looking to buy a new home, get a loan with us and you'll save!
Weaken: Less than 10 percent of first-time home buyers were able to qualify for this company's premium loan program.
Does this help? Good luck!
-Athena Dalton
