Which is valid and which is sound? When you are building an argument for an issue that is significant to you, do you think it is more important to be valid or sound? Explain your answer.
I'd rather have a sound argument. What do you think? Check this site for a good discussion of the difference between valid and sound arguments.
http://www.iep.utm.edu/v/val-snd.htm
To determine which is valid and which is sound, let's first define these terms:
1. Validity: An argument is considered valid if its logical structure is such that if the premises (statements presented as evidence or reasons) are true, then the conclusion logically follows. In other words, a valid argument is one where the conclusion flows logically from the given premises, regardless of the actual truth of the premises.
2. Soundness: An argument is considered sound if it is valid, and all of its premises are actually true. Thus, a sound argument not only has a logically valid structure, but also relies on true premises.
Now, when considering which is more important in building an argument for an issue that is significant to you - validity or soundness - it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two.
Validity is essential because it ensures that the argument is internally consistent and follows the rules of logic. A valid argument, even if the premises are factually incorrect, can still demonstrate the logical relationship between the premises and the conclusion. In this sense, validity serves as the foundation of a strong argument since it demonstrates that the conclusion logically follows from the given premises.
However, soundness goes beyond just logical consistency. It also requires that the premises are true. While validity is crucial to maintain the logical integrity of an argument, soundness is what establishes the truthfulness and credibility of the argument's premises. Thus, soundness is the stronger criterion since it not only provides logical coherence but also ensures that the argument is grounded in reality.
In summary, both validity and soundness are important when building an argument. Validity is the minimum requirement for a well-structured argument, while soundness elevates the quality by relying on true premises. So, when addressing an issue that is significant to you, it is essential to strive for both validity and soundness to make a compelling and convincing argument.