How are deductive arguments evaluated How are inductive argu

How are deductive arguments evaluated? How are inductive arguments evaluated?

Solution

A deductive argument is an argument that is intended by the arguer to be (deductively) valid, that is, to provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion provided that the argument\'s premises (assumptions) are true. This point can be expressed also by saying that, in a deductive argument, the premises are intended to provide such strong support for the conclusion that, if the premises are true, then it would be impossible for the conclusion to be false. An argument in which the premises do succeed in guaranteeing the conclusion is called a (deductively) valid argument. If a valid argument has true premises, then the argument is said to be sound.

Here is a valid deductive argument: It\'s sunny in Singapore. If it\'s sunny in Singapore, he won\'t be carrying an umbrella. So, he won\'t be carrying an umbrella

Here is a mildly strong inductive argument: Every time I\'ve walked by that dog, he hasn\'t tried to bite me. So, the next time I walk by that dog he won\'t try to bite me.

An inductive argument is an argument that is intended by the arguer merely to establish or increase the probability of its conclusion. In an inductive argument, the premises are intended only to be so strong that, if they were true, then it would be unlikely that the conclusion is false. There is no standard term for a successful inductive argument. But its success or strength is a matter of degree, unlike with deductive arguments. A deductive argument is valid or else invalid.