Final answer:
Yes, an argument can be valid without being sound. Validity is about the logical structure of an argument, ensuring that if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true. Soundness adds the requirement that the premises must actually be true for the argument to be not only valid but also sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
An argument can indeed be valid but not sound. This distinction is an important concept in critical thinking and logical analysis. Validity is concerned with the form of the argument and whether the premises logically lead to the conclusion. In contrast, soundness involves both the validity of the argument and the truth of the premises.
Looking at the provided options, (b) Valid, if premises logically lead to the conclusion; sound, if premises are true is the correct answer. A deductive argument is valid if it is structured such that if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true. However, for an argument to be sound, its premises must actually be true in reality, which then guarantees the truth of the conclusion.
For example, consider a disjunctive syllogism:
- X or Y.
- Not Y.
- Therefore X.
If 'X or Y' and 'Not Y' are both true, then 'X' must be true, making the argument valid. However, if either premise is false in reality, then the argument, while remaining valid, is not sound. Another key point is if you can conceive of a situation where the premises are true but the conclusion is false, the argument is invalid. Logical validity does not necessarily imply truth, which is why soundness also requires that premises are factually accurate.