Question
12 among the following the one which is not always decisive in evaluating argument is ? A.The inference of the claim from the permises to conclusion B.the reasonableness of the permises to conclusion C.the support and relevance of the permises to conclusion D. truth and falsity of the permises and conclusion E. None
Solution
4.6
(220 Votes)
Horace
Professional ยท Tutor for 6 years
Answer
The answer is **D. Truth and falsity of the premises and conclusion.**Here's why:Argument evaluation focuses on the *structure* of the argument, specifically how well the premises support the conclusion. While true premises are *desirable*, an argument can be structurally valid even if its premises are false. Similarly, a false conclusion doesn't automatically invalidate an argument if the premises don't logically lead to it.Let's break down the other options:* **A. The inference of the claim from the premises to conclusion:** This is crucial. A valid argument requires a strong inferential link between premises and conclusion.* **B. The reasonableness of the premises to conclusion:** This relates to the logical connection and coherence between the premises and the conclusion. Unreasonable leaps in logic weaken an argument.* **C. The support and relevance of the premises to conclusion:** Premises must be relevant to the conclusion and provide actual support for it. Irrelevant premises weaken the argument.Therefore, while the truth of the premises and conclusion is important for the overall *soundness* of an argument, it's not the sole factor in evaluating its *validity*. A valid argument can have false premises and/or a false conclusion. The key is whether the premises, *if true*, would logically lead to the conclusion.