If the premises are true and the argument is valid, then the conclusion has to be true and the argument is sound
Inductive argument
If the premises are either true or at least acceptable, then the conclusion is likely to be true and we consider these inductive arguments to be strong
Evaluating arguments
Evaluate the premises themselves on their own merits
Evaluate the logical link that connects the premises to the conclusion
Premises
The evidence on which an argument is based
Evaluating premises
Determine whether they are true or false
Determine whether they are acceptable even if not provably true
Empirical evidence (observed facts) can be used to determine the truth of some premises
Some premises cannot be evaluated as true or false, such as moral/ethical claims, opinions, and value judgments
Premises that cannot be proven true or false should still be scrutinized and evaluated for their acceptability
Evaluating deductive arguments
Look for whether the argument is valid - it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion to be false
Evaluating inductive arguments
Look for whether the premises are relevant to the issue and conclusion
Look for whether the premises are sufficient to justify the conclusion
Inductive arguments rely on acceptable premises rather than provably true premises
