QUESTION: Logic and argumentation: what questions to ask to identify weak points in an argument?

In order to learn how to effectively identify weak points in other people's or your own arguments, it is not enough to simply study theory in isolation from real practice. The best way to consolidate critical analysis skills within the framework of logic and argumentation is learning through mini-projects. This approach allows you to transfer theoretical knowledge into the plane of practical application and immediately see where exactly logical failures occur.

The essence of the method is to choose a small practical project that takes no more than one to two hours to complete, and bring it entirely to a specific result. For example, you can take an advertising brochure, a short article, or a political speech and try to compile a detailed map of the author's argumentation by writing down all assumptions and hidden premises.

Such intensive work in a short timeframe allows you to quickly discover your own gaps in understanding logical laws and rhetorical devices. When you try to break down someone else's text into constituent elements yourself, you immediately notice unjustified generalizations, equivocation, and a lack of sufficient evidence. This builds a lasting immunity to poor-quality argumentation and teaches you how to ask the right questions to opponents.