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Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): An argument can never be valid, if all the premises are false and conclusion is false as well.
Reason (R): If an argument is valid and its premises are true, we may be certain that its conclusion is true also.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Analyzing Argument Validity Statements

This question tests the understanding of logical argument validity and soundness. Let's analyze each statement.

Assertion (A) Analysis: False Premises and False Conclusion

Assertion (A) states: "An argument can never be valid, if all the premises are false and conclusion is false as well."

  • Validity Definition: An argument is considered valid if it's impossible for its premises to be true and its conclusion false simultaneously. Validity depends solely on the argument's logical structure, not the truthfulness of its premises or conclusion.
  • Scenario Check: Consider an argument with false premises and a false conclusion. Can it still be valid? Yes. For example:
    • Premise 1: All planets are made of cheese. (False)
    • Premise 2: Earth is a planet. (False)
    • Conclusion: Therefore, Earth is made of cheese. (False)
    This argument follows a valid structure ("All A are B. X is A. Therefore, X is B."). If the premises *were* true, the conclusion *would necessarily* be true. Since the premises are false and the conclusion is false, this scenario does not violate the definition of validity.
  • Conclusion for (A): Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect. A valid argument can have all false premises and a false conclusion.

Reason (R) Analysis: True Premises and Validity

Reason (R) states: "If an argument is valid and its premises are true, we may be certain that its conclusion is true also."

  • Validity in Action: This statement describes a fundamental principle of logic. If an argument's structure is valid, and we accept its premises as true, then the conclusion derived from those premises must also be true. This combination (validity + true premises) defines a sound argument.
  • Conclusion for (R): Reason (R) is correct. It accurately defines a key implication of a valid argument when its premises are true.

Final Answer Determination

Based on the analysis:

  • Assertion (A) is not correct.
  • Reason (R) is correct.

This matches the option stating "(A) is not correct but (R) is correct".

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Important Questions from Argument Forms - Teaching

  1. Match List - I with List - II:
     

    List - IList - II
    A. Ad hominemI. Mistaking correlation for causation
    B. Straw manII. Attacking the person instead of issue
    C. False causeIII. Misrepresenting someone's argument
    D. Red HerringIV. Diverting attention to another issue



    Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

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