Argument Analysis

Which of the following is an example of a valid deductive argument?

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is immortal.

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• Some humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a philosopher. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Which of the following statements best describes an invalid deductive argument?

• The conclusion necessarily follows from the premises.

• The conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises.

• The premises are true, and the conclusion is true.

• The premises are false, and the conclusion is false.

Identify the strong inductive argument from the following:

• Every swan I have seen is white. Therefore, all swans are white.

• I saw a black swan once. Therefore, all swans are black.

• Most swans I have seen are white. Therefore, most swans are white.

• Some swans are white. Therefore, all swans are white.

Which of the following is an example of a weak inductive argument?

• The sun has risen every day in recorded history. Therefore, the sun will rise tomorrow.

• I have seen ten swans, and they were all white. Therefore, the next swan I see will be white.

• Most of the swans I have seen are white. Therefore, the next swan I see will likely be white.

• I have seen one white swan. Therefore, all swans are white.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a valid deductive argument?

• The premises are true, and the conclusion is false.

• The premises are false, and the conclusion is true.

• If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

• The premises are true, and the conclusion is true.

Which of the following is an example of an invalid deductive argument?

• All dogs are mammals. All cats are mammals. Therefore, all dogs are cats.

• All dogs are mammals. Fido is a dog. Therefore, Fido is a mammal.

• All dogs are mammals. Fido is a mammal. Therefore, Fido is a dog.

• Some dogs are mammals. Fido is a dog. Therefore, Fido is a mammal.

Which of the following best describes a strong inductive argument?

• The premises provide some support for the conclusion.

• The premises provide no support for the conclusion.

• The premises provide strong support for the conclusion.

• The premises are true, and the conclusion is false.

Which of the following is an example of a weak inductive argument?

• Most birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly.

• Most birds can fly. Sparrows are birds. Therefore, sparrows can fly.

• Most birds can fly. Ostriches are birds. Therefore, ostriches can fly.

• Most birds can fly. Eagles are birds. Therefore, eagles can fly.

Which of the following is a valid deductive argument?

• All bachelors are unmarried. John is unmarried. Therefore, John is a bachelor.

• All bachelors are unmarried. John is a bachelor. Therefore, John is unmarried.

• Some bachelors are unmarried. John is unmarried. Therefore, John is a bachelor.

• Some bachelors are unmarried. John is a bachelor. Therefore, John is unmarried.

Which of the following is an invalid deductive argument?

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is mortal. Therefore, Socrates is a human.

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a philosopher. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is a philosopher.