Question

sound or unsound deductive argument?

All trees are plants

The redwood is a tree

therefore, the redwood is a plant

Answer 1

Answer :

In order to find whether it's a valid or a sound deductive argument, the validity of an argument must be examined. An argument can be defined as valid or sound on the basis of two criteria, premises and inferences.

When the reasoning process behind the inference is correct, the argument is valid. In other words, if the truth of the premises logically substantiates the truth of the inference, the argument is valid. It is vice versa for an invalid argument.

When both the inference and premise are true, the conclusion must be true and the argument is sound.

Here in this case, the argument is a valid argument since it's form is correct. Since it's premises are true, it's also a sound argument. Finally, as the form is valid and the premises are true, the conclusion is also true.