The best test of an argument is the argument's ability to convince someone with an opposing viewpoint.Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take.

Different school of thoughts have diverse views and opinions on the same subject matter, so are people's views and opinions on various subjects. Therefore it is imperative to say that the best test for an argument is the ability to convince another person with a contrary opinion.

Some people are very strong in their opinion that it will be very difficult to change their stance. For such people, one needs to provide various strong points and different scenario, paint different pictures and link them with their opinions, and allow them to weigh the implications of their opinion before they are convinced to accept the opposing argument. For such a situation, it will be fair to measure the strength of the argument using the opposing view point it convinced. For example, consider an ardent Muslem, who does not believe in co-education. Such a person has built up series of views from the religious doctrine and several teachings he has received over a period of time, that for every point you bring up, he has a counter view. To convince such a person is no mince meat and thus can serve as a good test for the argument. What about people who waver on their viewpoint?

For people who waver on their opinions, it might be a lot easier to convince them to accept the opposing view. Most likely, such people do not have enough insight into the discuss and might not be able to weigh the implications of their stance let alone that of the opposing argument. They are not even convinced in their position and might just be waiting for someone else to bring an opposing view to the table and they jump on it. Would you say that convincing such a person is the best test for an argument?

Yet to sway ones opinion requires some craft. One needs to be able to read the minds of the people and determine the direction they are tending to. The act of convincing one with an opposing view requires some skills. Thus credit should be given to any one who is able to convince another person that has a contrary opinion to a subject of discuss - whether or not the person is convinced in his view point.

Finally, while I agree that the best test for an argument is the argument's ability to convince someone with a divergent view point, the argument should be judged with the number of opposing views it convinced and how firm the individuals hold their views. It is important to determine these factors before arriving at any conclusion on the strength of an argument.