Thread: How do I know if an argument is valid or invalid?

I just got introduced into arguments. How do I know if a certain argument is valid or invalid?

Originally Posted by kmjt

I just got introduced into arguments. How do I know if a certain argument is valid or invalid?

You must be more fourth coming that.
Give us an example of your question.
Is validity done with truth tables in your textbook?
Or do you have argument forms?

Oh i was talking in general. Heres an example, is it valid or invalid (i know answer just not sure why):

p --> (q --> r)
q --> (p --> r)
____________________
Therefore (p or q) --> t

Generally speaking, I think you need to use a proof system (you should specify which one you're using) and one or more inference rules (modus ponens is most common).

When applied to sentential logic, a formula is valid iff it is satisfied by every interpretation. Or, put another way, it's a "tautology": a statement which must always be true regardless as to what we plug into the variables.

For example, the statement "not A or not B implies not (A and B)", under the usual (fixed) interpretation for not, and, or, and parentheses, will always be true regardless as to what the interpretation of A and B are.

Another example, in a more sequential fashion:

A
B
therefore...
A and B

Note that although the above argument is valid, it will still be false if one of its premises is false. Validity refers to the correctness of the logic, not the semantic interpretation.

When you say t do you mean T (true)? Anything implies true, so that argument is valid no matter what the premises are. (The only time A does not imply B is when A is true, but B is false.)

p --> (q --> r) == ~p v (~q v r)

q --> (p --> r) == ~q v (~p v r)
____________________
Therefore (p or q) --> t == ~(p v q) v t



(p v t) == t (Universal bound law)