defective arguments

[dɪˈfɛktɪv ˈɑrɡjuməntts]
noun phrasepl: defective arguments
argumentos defectivos
1. Arguments that contain logical fallacies, unsound reasoning, or fail to properly support their conclusions
The lawyer's defective arguments failed to convince the jury of his client's innocence.
Os argumentos defectivos do advogado falharam em convencer o júri da inocência de seu cliente.
2. In linguistics, arguments that lack proper case marking or syntactic structure
In the sentence analysis, the defective arguments were identified by their missing case markers.
Na análise da frase, os argumentos defectivos foram identificados pelos seus marcadores de caso faltantes.
3. In logic and philosophy, premises or evidence insufficient to establish a valid conclusion
The philosopher critiqued the defective arguments presented in the thesis for their circular reasoning.
O filósofo criticou os argumentos defectivos apresentados na tese pelo seu raciocínio circular.
This term is predominantly used in academic, legal, and philosophical contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it appears frequently in law school debates and academic discourse. In the United States, it is common in debate clubs, rhetoric courses, and legal practice. The phrase emphasizes the importance of rigorous reasoning in persuasive communication.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
flawed argumentsfallacious argumentsunsound argumentsinvalid argumentsweak arguments
Antonyms / Antônimos
sound argumentsvalid argumentscogent argumentsrobust argumentscompelling arguments

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
argumentos defectivos
Standard usage in academic and legal contexts
São Paulo
argumentos defectivos
Commonly used in juridical and philosophical discussions
Rio de Janeiro
argumentos defectivos
Used in formal discourse; alternatively 'argumentos fracos' in casual speech
Portugal
argumentos defeituosos
Preferred term in European Portuguese; 'defectivos' also acceptable but less common

Related Words

logical fallacyreasoningpremiseconclusionargumentationrhetorical appeal

Related Idioms & Phrases

a house of cards
built on sand
full of holes
doesn't hold water
logical fallacy
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