Question

knowledge check
which of the following is a valid argument?
select the best option.
if p then q. q. therefore p.
all animals are furry. sprinkles is an animal. therefore, sprinkles is furry.
all animals are furry. kiara is not an animal. therefore kiara is not furry.
if p then q. not p. therefore not q.

Explanation:

A valid argument has a structure where if all premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

1. The first option is affirming the consequent, a logical fallacy: the conclusion doesn't follow even if premises are true.
2. The second option uses valid deductive reasoning (modus ponens/syllogism): if all animals are furry, and Sprinkles is an animal, the conclusion must be true.
3. The third option denies the antecedent in a syllogism: non-animals can still be furry, so the conclusion isn't guaranteed.
4. The fourth option is denying the antecedent, a logical fallacy: the conclusion doesn't follow even if premises are true.

Answer:

All animals are furry. Sprinkles is an animal. Therefore, Sprinkles is furry.