Match each everyday argument to the formal valid deduction pattern that accurately describes its logical structure.
- If the city council approves the budget, the park will be renovated. The city council approved the budget. Therefore, the park will be renovated.Modus Ponens (If A then B; A is true; therefore B is true)
- If the plant is a fern, it reproduces via spores. This plant does not reproduce via spores. Therefore, it is not a fern.Modus Tollens (If A then B; B is false; therefore A is false)
- The suspect either fled to Canada or is hiding locally. The suspect did not flee to Canada. Therefore, the suspect is hiding locally.Disjunctive Syllogism (Either A or B; A is false; therefore B is true)
- If it rains, the soil gets wet. If the soil gets wet, the seeds will sprout. Therefore, if it rains, the seeds will sprout.Hypothetical Syllogism (If A then B; If B then C; therefore If A then C)
Answer
Argument 1 matches Modus Ponens, Argument 2 matches Modus Tollens, Argument 3 matches Disjunctive Syllogism, and Argument 4 matches Hypothetical Syllogism.
Each everyday argument perfectly matches the formal structure of a standard deductive argument pattern, relying on established rules of logic to guarantee the truth of its conclusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the formal structure of valid deductive arguments.