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LOGIC
The following are two (2) definitions of logic: 1. Logic is the study of methods for evaluating whether the premises of an argument adequately support (or provide good evidence for) its conclusion (Howard-Snyder and Wasserman, 2009). 2. The paraphrased version of this definition says that; logic is roughly the study of methods for evaluating arguments (Howard-Snyder and Wasserman, 2009).
LOGIC
3. Logic is the science of reasoning (Pocket Oxford English Dictionary).
An argument is a set of statement s where some of the statement s are intended to support another.
An argument may be split into two (2) main areas: 1. Premises 2. Conclusion Argument
An argument is a set of statement s where some of the statement s, called the premises, are intended to support another, called the conclusion.
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Invalid Argument
(Premises do not guarantee conclusion)
Some Americans work in business. Donald Trump is an American. So, Donald Trump works in business.
False premises False conclusion False premises True conclusion True premises False conclusion Unknown truth value
Every genius is a philosopher. Homestar Runner is a philosopher. So, Homestar Runner is a genius. Everything coloured is red. Stephen Colbert is a mortician. So, Stephen Colbert is hilarious. All dogs are animals. All cats are animals. Hence, all dogs are cats.
Sound Argument - A sound argument is a valid argument in which all the premises are true. Valid + All Premises True = Sound Unsound Argument - An unsound argument is one that either is invalid or has at least one false premise.
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Arguments Summary
Arguments
Valid Arguments
Invalid Arguments
Conclusion
We want deductive arguments to be valid and have all true premises (sound argument). Arguments are neither true nor false only statements can be. Arguments can be valid, invalid, sound or unsound. Statements cannot be valid, invalid, sound or unsound. Premises and conclusion (statements) can either be true or false. Premises and conclusions (statements) cannot be valid, invalid, sound or unsound. Validity makes no reference necessarily to truth or falsehood. Rather, its focus is whether the conclusion is 18 linked to the premise.