It is often claimed that smoking causes cancer. This is usually presented as a reason why people should either give up smoking, or else not start smoking. It is sometimes combined with other claims about smoking, such as that it is expensive or that it will lead to the deterioration of one’s looks.

What sort of argument would claim that a link exists between smoking and cancer? What would make this a stronger argument? What would weaken it?

What type of argument could this become once other claims are added to it? How would this latter type of argument be assessed?

Would either type of argument prove definitely that one should not smoke? Why or why not?