What is an Argument by Consequence?

S2-SA5-0214

Grade Level:

Class 7

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An Argument by Consequence is a type of argument where you support or reject an idea based on its expected positive or negative outcomes. You're essentially saying, 'If we do X, then Y (good/bad) will happen, so we should/shouldn't do X.'

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your friend wants to play cricket in the rain. You might argue, 'If we play cricket now, we'll all get sick, and then we'll miss school tomorrow.' Here, you are using the negative consequence (getting sick and missing school) to argue against playing cricket.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say your school is planning to ban mobile phones during class hours.

1. **Identify the proposal:** The school wants to ban mobile phones during class.
2. **Consider a potential positive consequence:** If phones are banned, students might focus more on studies.
3. **Formulate the argument for:** 'Banning mobile phones in class will lead to better concentration and improved exam results, so it's a good idea.'
4. **Consider a potential negative consequence:** If phones are banned, students can't quickly contact parents in an emergency.
5. **Formulate the argument against:** 'Banning mobile phones means students can't reach their parents for urgent matters, which could be risky, so it's not a good idea.'

**Answer:** Both examples show arguments by consequence, one supporting and one opposing the phone ban based on expected outcomes.

Why It Matters

Understanding arguments by consequence helps you make better decisions and convince others in daily life. This skill is crucial for lawyers presenting cases, journalists analyzing policies, and even politicians debating new laws, allowing them to foresee impacts and build strong cases.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Confusing a consequence with the actual cause | CORRECTION: Remember, a consequence is something that *follows* an action or idea, not what *starts* it. Focus on the *result*.

MISTAKE: Only looking at one side of the consequences (either only good or only bad) | CORRECTION: Always try to think about both positive and negative consequences to make a balanced argument.

MISTAKE: Stating a consequence that is not likely or logical | CORRECTION: Ensure the consequence you present is a reasonable and probable outcome of the action or idea being discussed.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Your parents are thinking of buying a new refrigerator. Your sibling says, 'If we buy the new refrigerator, it will save electricity and keep food fresh longer.' Is this an argument by consequence? | ANSWER: Yes, it is. The sibling is using the positive outcomes (saving electricity, fresher food) to support buying the new refrigerator.

QUESTION: Your friend wants to cycle to school instead of taking the bus. You say, 'If you cycle, you'll get exercise, but you might also get tired before class.' Identify the arguments by consequence here. | ANSWER: The arguments by consequence are 'you'll get exercise' (positive) and 'you might also get tired before class' (negative). Both are expected outcomes.

QUESTION: A new flyover is proposed in your city. One group says, 'It will reduce traffic jams and make travel faster.' Another group argues, 'It will cause more pollution during construction and displace many small shopkeepers.' Which group is using an Argument by Consequence, and why? | ANSWER: Both groups are using an Argument by Consequence. The first group uses positive consequences (reduced traffic, faster travel) to support the flyover. The second group uses negative consequences (pollution, displacement of shopkeepers) to oppose it.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following is the best example of an Argument by Consequence?

The sun rises in the east every morning.

If you study hard for your exams, you will score good marks.

The capital of India is New Delhi.

Eating too much junk food is bad for health.

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B presents a direct cause-and-effect relationship where a positive outcome (scoring good marks) is a consequence of an action (studying hard). The other options are statements of fact or general advice, not arguments based on expected outcomes.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

In Indian politics, when a new law like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or a new infrastructure project like a metro line is proposed, politicians and economists often use arguments by consequence. They will discuss how it will affect the economy, jobs, prices, or daily life, using these predicted outcomes to either support or oppose the proposal.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

CONSEQUENCE: a result or effect of an action or condition | PROPOSAL: a plan or suggestion, especially a formal one | OUTCOME: the way a thing turns out; a result | REASONABLE: fair and sensible | LOGICAL: according to the rules of logic or formal argument

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Next, explore 'Arguments by Analogy' and 'Arguments from Authority.' Understanding these different types of arguments will further strengthen your ability to analyze discussions and build persuasive cases in any situation.