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Required does not mean enough
A necessary condition must be present; a sufficient condition guarantees the result.
The idea
An ingredient can be indispensable without producing an outcome on its own. Confusing these roles causes weak arguments.
An example
A charged battery is necessary for this battery-powered torch to work, but a broken bulb can still prevent light.
Put it into practice
Ask whether a condition is required, enough, or both.
Further reading: OpenStax · Introduction to Philosophy ↗
Test yourself: Why is a charged battery not sufficient in this example?
The bulb may also be broken
Other required conditions can still be missing.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
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