Valid

Definition

A logical argument is valid if, assuming the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Validity does not depend on the actual truth of the premises but rather on the structure of the argument.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Validity ensures that if all premises are true, then the conclusion cannot be false.
2. An argument can be valid even if its premises are false.
3. Valid arguments have a logical structure where the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion.
4. Validity is a key concept when constructing and analyzing truth tables in logic.
5. Determining validity involves checking if there is any possible scenario where all premises are true and the conclusion is false.

Review Questions

• What does it mean for an argument to be valid?
• Can an argument with false premises still be valid? Why or why not?
• How do you determine whether an argument is valid using a truth table?

Related terms

Soundness:

An argument is sound if it is both valid and its premises are actually true.

Premise: A statement in an argument that provides support or evidence for the conclusion.

Conclusion:

The statement in an argument that follows logically from the given premises.