what makes a deductive argument sound? course hero

by Coy Borer 5 min read

What does it mean if a deductive argument is sound?

If a deductive argument is sound, that means that not only are all the inferences true, but the premises are also true. Hence, the conclusion is necessarily true. Two examples illustrate the differences between a valid and a sound argument. This is a valid deductive argument, even though the premises are both false.

Why is it necessary to distinguish between valid arguments and sound arguments?

Because of this, it is necessary to distinguish between valid arguments and sound arguments. If a deductive argument is valid, that means the reasoning process behind the inferences is correct and there are no fallacies.

Can an argument be used to establish the truth of the conclusion?

All you have demonstrated is that the argument itself cannot be used to establish the truth of the conclusion. In an argument, the premises offered are assumed to be true, and no effort is made to support them. But, just because they are assumed to be true, does not mean that they are.

What is an example of a weak inductive argument?

Weak inductive arguments are always uncogent. Here is an example: Strolling through the woods is usually fun. The sun is out, the temperature is cool, there is no rain in the forecast, the flowers are in bloom, and the birds are singing.

What makes a deductive argument sound?

A deductive argument is sound if and only if it is both valid, and all of its premises are actually true. Otherwise, a deductive argument is unsound.

What are the two criteria for a sound deductive argument?

Soundness: An argument is sound if it meets these two criteria: (1) It is valid. (2) Its premises are true.

What is an example of a sound deductive argument?

Example 1: Therefore, 20 is a multiple of 5. It is a valid argument since the conclusion logically follows from the premises. Moreover, it has true premises. Therefore, this is a sound argument.

Does a sound argument have to be deductive?

Firstly, a sound argument is a deductive argument. It's trying to establish conclusive support for its conclusion. Secondly, the argument is valid: the premises, if true, would guarantee that the conclusion is also true.

What makes a sound argument?

A sound argument is a valid argument that has all true premises. That means that the conclusion of a sound argument will always be true. Why? Because if an argument is valid, the premises transmit truth to the conclusion on the assumption of the truth of the premises.

What are the characteristics of a deductive argument?

A deductive argument is an argument in which the arguer is maintaining that the premises show that the conclusion is necessarily true. A deductive argument is said to be valid if the premises logically lead to the conclusion. A deductive argument is said to be sound if it is valid and has true premises.

What makes an argument sound or unsound?

Sound: an argument is sound if and only if it is valid and contains only true premises. Unsound: an argument that is not sound.

What makes an argument valid and sound?

An argument form is valid if and only if whenever the premises are all true, then conclusion is true. An argument is valid if its argument form is valid. For a sound argument, An argument is sound if and only if it is valid and all its premises are true.

What is the example of sound reasoning?

Sound reasoning requires an explanation or rationale. For example, we can say we are choosing an alternative because it involves less risk and is better for people we care about than the other alternatives available.

What does it mean for an argument to be sound quizlet?

A sound argument is one that is valid with all true premises. If an argument is valid, that means that IF the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true. And if an argument is sound, then the premises are true.

How can you tell if an argument is sound quizlet?

How can you tell if an argument is sound? It is valid and has true premises. It has two premises and a conclusion. It has valid reasoning.

How do you know if a deductive argument is valid?

Judge the reasoning and not the content (true or false statements). Think hypothetically. Ask, "IF the premises are true, are we locked into the conclusion?" If yes, then the argument is valid.