CAS PH 160 Study Guide - Final Guide: Modus Ponens, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning

• School: Boston University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: CAS PH 160
• Professor: Cameron Anderson

Document Summary

In logic, valid is not a synonym for true. A deductively valid argument simply has the kind of logical structure that guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true. Logical structure refers not to the content of an argument but to its construction , the way the premises and conclusion fit together . A deductive argument is intended to provide logically conclusive support or its conclusion . An inductive argument is intended to provide probable not conclusive support for its conclusion: understand, modus ponens: any argument in this form is valid if the premises are true the conclusion must always be true. The general form of modus ponens is as following : If p , then q therefore , q: modus tollens: it is always true . The general form of modus tollens is as following : Therefore not p. c. affirming the consequent : this is always invalid.