Western Governors University (WGU) PHIL1020 D265 Critical Thinking: Reason and Evidence Practice Exam

A cogent argument is characterized by having all true premises that provide strong support for its conclusion. This means that if the premises are indeed true, they lend considerable credence to the conclusion being drawn. The strength of the support is essential; it implies that the argument is not only logically valid but also persuasive due to the truthfulness of its premises.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the nature of a cogent argument. For instance, an argument that is valid regardless of the premises lacks the necessary condition of truthfulness in the premises to be considered cogent. Vague conclusions that follow substantial premises do not provide clarity or strong support, which detracts from the cogency of the argument. Additionally, while an argument presented in a debate context may have various rhetorical elements, the context alone does not determine whether it is cogent or not; the content and structure of the argument do. Therefore, the defining feature of a cogent argument is the combination of true premises that offer strong support for the conclusion.