In chapter 7, Epstein introduces how arguments can be refuted and contradicted. The first point in the chapter is "Raising Objections". This talks about how every claim can raise an objection. For example, last Christmas my brother tried to convince my parents to buy him a Playstation 3. Their conversation went something like this:
Brother: We should get a PS3 this Christmas. It would make a great present for the whole family.
Parents: We already have a Wii and the PS3 costs at least $300. (objection)
Brother: Yes, but the PS3 has a Blue Ray player. (objection)
Parents: We don't need that we already have a DVD player. (objection)
Brother: But Blue Rays have much better sound and picture, plus PS3 games have amazing graphics. (objection)
Parents: Blue Rays are much more expensive and so are the games. The system plus the game would cost a fortune in the end. (objection)
Brother: We can rent the Blue Rays on Netflix for almost nothing. (objection)
I've earned good grades this year and we could get games like Rock Band so the whole family can play and have fun. (answer)
Parents: We'll think about it.
According to Epstein, this conversation would also be an example of refuting an argument directly. My parents gave points to refute each of my brother's reasons and vice versa.
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