For each of the following pairs of causal arguments, determine which is stronger
-Which causal argument is stronger?
A) Three local coffee houses have experienced an up-tick in business this quarter. The cause of this welcome change appears to be the new "poetry reading" events each has added.
B) Three local coffee houses have experienced an up-tick in business this quarter. The cause of this welcome change appears to be the new "poetry reading" events each has added. Since the poetry readings are the only possible cause all three coffee houses have in common, it must have been the cause.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Argument B is stronger because it eliminates other potential causes and establishes a clear causal link between the poetry readings and the increase in business at all three coffee houses. Argument A implies a correlation, but does not establish causation.

For Each of the Following Pairs of Causal Arguments, Determine