Level 3: Using Argument Forms To Test For Validity

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Estimated Learning Time = 7 hrs

The concept of validity is one of the most important concepts in logic. An argument is valid if and only if the truth of the premises is sufficient to guarantee the truth of the conclusion. For example, the following argument is valid:

Premise) Isaac is over 5 ft tall.

Conclusion) Isaac is over 4 ft tall.

However, the following argument is invalid:

Premise) Isaac is over 4 ft tall.

Conclusion) Isaac is over 5 ft tall.

There are a number of ways of determining if an argument is valid or invalid. In this course, you will be introduced to one of the simplest of these: the proof by analogy method, which involves using the patterns or forms of arguments to test for validity. First, you will master a range of very common valid and invalid argument patterns or forms such as modus ponens and modus tollens.

Modus Ponens

If P then Q

P

____

Q

Modus Tollens

If P then Q

Not-Q

____

Not-P

Next, you will compare the patterns or forms of arguments to the of the common valid and invalid forms you have learned. If the argument first a valid form, the argument itself is valid. Finally, you will learn to identify logically complex versions of the argument forms you have mastered.

Level 3.1 is available as a free sample!

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