Deductive Arguments Flashcards
What is a deductive argument?
A deductive argument is a type of reasoning where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises.
True or False: In a deductive argument, if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
True
Fill in the blank: A deductive argument provides __________ guarantees about the truth of the conclusion.
Logical
Which of the following is an example of a deductive argument? A) All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. B) The weather is nice today.
A) All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
What is the structure of a typical deductive argument?
A typical deductive argument consists of premises leading to a conclusion.
True or False: Deductive arguments can sometimes lead to false conclusions.
False
Complete the statement: If all mammals are warm-blooded and all whales are mammals, then __________.
All whales are warm-blooded.
What is an example of a categorical syllogism in deductive reasoning?
All birds have feathers. A sparrow is a bird. Therefore, a sparrow has feathers.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of deductive arguments? A) They provide certainty. B) They rely on statistical data. C) They follow a logical structure.
B) They rely on statistical data.
Define a valid deductive argument.
A valid deductive argument is one where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
True or False: A sound argument is a valid deductive argument with true premises.
True
What is the conclusion in the argument: ‘If it rains, the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet.’?
The ground is wet.
Fill in the blank: A deductive argument that is invalid is one where __________.
The conclusion does not logically follow from the premises.
What type of reasoning is used in deductive arguments?
Top-down reasoning
Provide an example of a deductive argument involving numbers.
All even numbers are divisible by 2. 4 is an even number. Therefore, 4 is divisible by 2.
True or False: The premises of a deductive argument can be false while still leading to a true conclusion.
True
What is the primary goal of a deductive argument?
To establish a conclusion that is logically necessary based on the premises.
Complete the statement: If all triangles have three sides, and this shape is a triangle, then __________.
This shape has three sides.
Identify the premises in the argument: ‘If a person is a teacher, then they have a degree. John is a teacher. Therefore, John has a degree.’
The premises are ‘If a person is a teacher, then they have a degree’ and ‘John is a teacher.’
Multiple choice: Which of the following best describes a sound argument? A) It is valid and has true premises. B) It is valid but has false premises. C) It is invalid.
A) It is valid and has true premises.
What distinguishes deductive reasoning from inductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true, while inductive reasoning suggests that the conclusion is probable based on evidence.
True or False: Deductive arguments are primarily used in scientific reasoning.
False
Provide an example of a deductive argument in legal reasoning.
If someone commits theft, they are breaking the law. John stole a car. Therefore, John broke the law.
