LessonsProof: Syllogism, Induction, Analogy and the Four FiguresQuiz

Granting premises does not mean that every proposed premise has been established as fact. Logic can first assess the form of the inference and whether the conclusion follows.

Example:
All trees are made of iron.
All date palms are trees.
Therefore all date palms are made of iron.

The inferential form is valid: the conclusion follows if the premises are granted. But the first premise is false, so the argument does not establish a true fact about the world. Distinguish valid form from true premises.

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Granting premises versus verifying them

Proof: Syllogism, Induction, Analogy and the Four Figures

Granting premises does not mean that every proposed premise has been established as fact. Logic can first assess the form of the inference and whether the conclusion follows.

Example:
All trees are made of iron.
All date palms are trees.
Therefore all date palms are made of iron.

The inferential form is valid: the conclusion follows if the premises are granted. But the first premise is false, so the argument does not establish a true fact about the world. Distinguish valid form from true premises.