Question

Since all root systems need nitrogen, all trees need nitrogen. Think about what would happen to you without oxygen. Would you want that to happen to trees? Describe the step-by-step process that you must follow in order to identify the implicit premise and evaluate the validity of the argument. Is the argument valid? Is it sound?

Answer 1

First, identify the explicit indicators to put the argument into the logical sequence of a syllogism. Make sure to ignore all sentences that are not propositions.

P1 All root systems need nitrogen.

C Therefore, all trees need nitrogen.

Then, identify the gap in the logical sequence by asking, “What is the assumption linking P1 to C?” It is this: “All trees have root systems.” Finally, put it together:

P1 All trees have root systems.

P2 All root systems need nitrogen.

C Therefore, all trees need nitrogen.

The argument is valid because the implicit premise fits within the structure of the syllogism. Is the argument sound? Well, that depends on whether or not the scientific facts hold up. Since all trees do have root systems and all root systems do need nitrogen, the premises are true and the argument is sound.

Step-by-step explanation:

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