Historian A says widespread famine in China caused the Boxer Rebellion. Historian B responds with supporting evidence that the B
oxer Rebellion was a reaction to European colonial power in China. How would you describe the action of Historian B?
A. Offered a point of view
B. Made a counterclaim
C. Gave a claim
D. Showed bias
It is an argument that consists of showing through a counterargument that the thesis defended by our opponent is wrong or false. You can understand, then, that refuting your opponent's thesis in the debate is something similar to what happens when we drop a building that was standing because it can not be sustained: a demolition process. With this you may not have yet been able to prove that your thesis is better, stronger or true. But, at least, you have shown the weakness of your opponent's argument.
