What type of reasoning is applied in a disjunctive argument?

In a disjunctive argument, reasoning is specifically structured to present a limited set of options, typically framed as mutually exclusive alternatives. This means that the argument posits that either one option or the other must be true, effectively eliminating the possibility of both being false or true simultaneously.

For example, a common form of a disjunctive argument might present two possibilities: "It's either raining or it's snowing." This structure helps to clarify the reasoning and directs the audience to consider only the given options, leading to a conclusion based on the evaluation of these alternatives.

Other types of reasoning mentioned, such as non-sequitur reasoning, abstract reasoning, and generalization of choices, do not accurately describe the function of disjunctive arguments, which rely specifically on contrasting limited options. The emphasis on distinct options is what makes the reasoning in a disjunctive argument particularly effective for debates and logical discussions.