First off, we need to remember the principles of rational discussion. They focus on statements that are so poorly structured or worded, that they alter the argument. Some may not even be arguments due to a blatant violation of rationality. Some arguments can end up like this if not repaired correctly.
Now we take a look at how to repair an argument. Adding a premise or conclusion helps out, as long as it follows all of three important tests. First, the argument must become stronger or valid from the addition of premises or conclusions. Secondly, the premise has to be plausible, and can be interpreted as plausible by the listener. Third, the premise has to be more plausible than the conclusion. If an argument is weak or defective, it must be repaired following these guidelines, to make it legitimate.
Here's an example. "It's raining outside. Therefore, I will get drenched walking to class." The obvious claim to add here is "I don't have an umbrella," because I actually don't have one. This makes my argument much stronger than it would be if I were to only say the original example.
This post was clear in explaining how to repair arguments. I like how you go step by step in your explanation starting with what we have already learned and what the chapter is all about. You begin your discussion with a clear explanation of the principle of rational discussion and how it relates to repairing arguments. I like how after you tell readers about the principle of rational discussion you explain that a premise or conclusion helps repair an argument. You explain the three tests in a way that many people could understand easily. The example you gave was good because it relates to the bad weather we have been having and it follows the rules for repairing an argument.
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