Philosophy, Deductive Arguments

Philosophy Homework 15/09/2011 Deductive Arguments A deductive argument isnt necessarily valid, it could be invalid. It also isnt necessarily tidy it could be unsound. If the argument is valid and the premise are legitimate then overall the argument is sound. You will always gain knowledge with a deductive argument. The first premise will link with the second premise in order to make a conclusion. Deductive arguments arent based on assumptions.Inductive Arguments The premises are all true so therefore the conclusion is likely to be true however it isnt definite that the conclusion will be true. It is usually probable that the conclusion will be true, but there is a chance its false. For example Katherine is a girl (premise) A dower of girls paint their nails (premise) Katherine paints her nails (conclusion) -Katherine might not like wearing nail varnish, its just an assumption that she does because she is a girl. Necessary truths Something that will always be true no matter what the circumstances or situation is.An example would be that I am a female. Contingent truths A truth that in some cases may be true, however it could also have been false. If there is anyway in which this truth could be false, it is contingent. An example of this would be Dogs have 4 legs some dogs have to have legs amputated, therefore isnt true in every case. A Priori Knowledge that has not been supported by an experience or an actual fact. A Posteriori Knowledge that is backed up by experience/observation or an actual fact.