Strengthening by Eliminating Alternatives

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen an argument is to eliminate alternative explanations for the evidence cited, thereby making the author's conclusion more probable. If an argument claims that X causes Y, showing that other possible causes of Y are absent or unlikely makes it more probable that X is indeed the cause. This method of strengthening is particularly relevant to the LNAT because many passages draw causal conclusions from correlational evidence, leaving them vulnerable to alternative explanations.

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The Logic of Eliminating Alternatives

When an argument presents evidence and draws a conclusion, there are usually several possible explanations for the evidence. The argument favours one explanation (the conclusion), but others remain open.