So, telling if the argument is an example of the worst argument in the world requires telepathy and precognisence. We cannot observe the intentions of an actor, only their actions. We also cannot tell the total results of an action. In fact there may be disagreements on intention and likely results.
Someone may believe that “Martin Luther King JR was a criminal” is not the worst argument in the world. They may believe that he acted out of a desire to overturn valuable social norms and that the results of civil disobedience would be further disrespect for legitimate authority. I cannot disprove either of these claims.
It seems that the only reason why my examples are not TWAitW is that you believe what they argue against is bad. This makes labeling something as TWAitW a rhetorical dark art. It is not the form of the argument that is objectionable, but that it argues against your position.
So, telling if the argument is an example of the worst argument in the world requires telepathy and precognisence. We cannot observe the intentions of an actor, only their actions. We also cannot tell the total results of an action. In fact there may be disagreements on intention and likely results.
Someone may believe that “Martin Luther King JR was a criminal” is not the worst argument in the world. They may believe that he acted out of a desire to overturn valuable social norms and that the results of civil disobedience would be further disrespect for legitimate authority. I cannot disprove either of these claims.
It seems that the only reason why my examples are not TWAitW is that you believe what they argue against is bad. This makes labeling something as TWAitW a rhetorical dark art. It is not the form of the argument that is objectionable, but that it argues against your position.