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On the design and function of rational arguments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2011

John E. Opfer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210. opfer.7@osu.eduhttp://faculty.psy.ohio-state.edu/opfer/opfer/opfer.htmlsloutsky@psy.ohio-state.eduhttp://cogdev.cog.ohio-state.edu
Vladimir Sloutsky
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210. opfer.7@osu.eduhttp://faculty.psy.ohio-state.edu/opfer/opfer/opfer.htmlsloutsky@psy.ohio-state.eduhttp://cogdev.cog.ohio-state.edu

Abstract

It is unclear how an argumentative environment would select for better reasoning given three general findings. First, argument rationality typically fails to persuade poor reasoners. Second, reasoned argumentation competes with more persuasive and less rational arguments for limited cognitive resources. Third, those poor at reasoning fail to distinguish between valid and invalid arguments. Reasoning, therefore, is poorly designed for argument.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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