Valid and Sound Arguments: Understanding Argument Forms and Logical Consistency - Prof. Je, Assignments of Introduction to Philosophy

Download Valid and Sound Arguments: Understanding Argument Forms and Logical Consistency - Prof. Je and more Assignments Introduction to Philosophy in PDF only on Docsity! Which of these arguments are valid? Which are sound? phil 13195 August 20, 2009 1. All men are mortal. 2. Socrates is a man. C. Socrates is mortal. 1. All philosophers are annoying. 2. Socrates is a philosopher. C. Socrates is annoying. 1. If Socrates is mortal, Socrates is a man. 2. Socrates is a man. C. Socrates is mortal. 1. Either Notre Dame will win the National Championship, or USC will win the National Championship. 2. USC will not win the National Championship.. C. Notre Dame will win the National Championship. 1. Today is Thursday. C. Today is Thursday. 1. If the moon is made of cheese, it will soon become moldy. 2. The moon will not soon become moldy. C. The moon is not made of cheese. Sometimes we talk not about whether particular arguments are valid or invalid, but about whether certain forms of argument are valid or invalid. An example of a form of argument is: 1. If p, then q. 2. p. C. q. You can think of ‘p’ and ‘q’ here as standing for sentences. When we ask whether the above argument form is valid, we are asking whether, no matter what sentences we plug in for p and q, we would get a valid argument. Often, when evaluating a philosophical argument, it is useful to take a step back and ask: is this a valid form of argument? 1