An argument's conclusion is supported by its premises only if
- A. the premises are interesting
- B. the premises are true and they logically lead to the conclusion
- C. the conclusion is popular
- D. the argument is long
Explanation
A sound argument requires both true premises and a valid logical structure, and failing either one destroys the support. An argument can be perfectly valid yet unsound if a premise is false, which is a distinction worth holding on to. Length and popularity have nothing to do with logical strength.
Related questions
Argument: "Students who take extra classes score higher, so extra classes cause higher scores." The main weakness of this argument is that it
Statement: "Every time I wash my car, it rains." This reasoning is flawed because it
Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that a new drug is effective because patients improved after taking it?
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the claim that a city's new bus lanes reduced traffic congestion?
Identify the assumption: "We should build a new hospital because the population of the district has doubled."