Question 1
5 / 5 pts
Based on what you have read in the text, the lecture, and any other sources you find helpful to your understanding of deductive arguments, explain the structure of a deductive argument in your own words.
Your Answer:
A deductive argument typically has two premises and a conclusion based on those premises. In order for the conclusion to be true, the premises must be true as well. Therefore, if the premises are true, the conclusion will certainly be true. Deductive reasoning depends more on facts than inferences.
Question 2
5 / 5 pts
Go to the box “Deductive Reasoning” (in the beginning of Chapter 8). Read the last paragraph there. Based on that reading and any other sources you find helpful to your understanding, describe the part that “rules, operating conditions, core beliefs, values, policies, principles, procedures, and terminology” (p. 159) play in deductive arguments.
Your Answer:
Rules, operating conditions, core beliefs, values, policies, principles, procedures, and terminology play a large part in deductive arguments. A valid deductive argument is based on premises that have little to no chance of being false. Therefore, you must combine all of the above (rules, operating conditions, etc.) in order to formulate premises and a conclusion that is 100% true. Without these, there is room for uncertainty. Meaning it is possible for the deductive argument to fail the test of logical strength.
Question 3
2 / 2 pts
In the introduction to Chapter 8, the text sets forth a specific definition of the term “valid” as it applies to deductive arguments. What is that definition?
Your Answer:
The author to the textbook gives a specific definition of the term "valid" as it pertains to deductive arguments. According to the author, the term "valid", refers to an argument in which all of the premises are assumed to be true. Therefore, it is impossible for the conclusion to be false.