Question

briefly explain the idea of strength and how it applies to inductive arguments. can an inductive argument prove its conclusion true? can an inductive argument be valid? can it be sound? choose the correct answer below. a. strength is the truth value of an inductive argument. a strong argument is true, and sound, but may not be valid. b. strength is the truth value of an inductive argument. a strong argument is true, valid, and sound. c. strength is how compelling an inductive argument is. a strong argument makes a compelling case for its conclusion. however, an inductive argument cannot be proved true, so it cannot be valid or sound. d. strength is how compelling an inductive argument is. a strong argument proves its conclusion to be true and is valid. however, it may not be sound.

Explanation:

• Option A: Validity is a property of deductive arguments (structure: if premises true, conclusion must be true), not inductive. So A is wrong.
• Option B: Validity applies to deductive arguments, not inductive. So B is wrong.
• Option C: Strength in inductive arguments refers to how well premises support the conclusion (compelling case). Inductive arguments deal with probability, not proof (so can’t be “proved true” or “valid” as validity is deductive). This matches the definition of strength for inductive arguments.
• Option D: Validity is a deductive concept (guarantees conclusion from true premises). Inductive arguments can’t be valid (they don’t guarantee truth, just support it). So D is wrong.

Answer:

C. Strength is how compelling an inductive argument is. A strong argument makes a compelling case for its conclusion. However, an inductive argument cannot be proved true, so it cannot be valid or sound.