If you want an introduction, just say something to this effect: “I will analyze the
Paper outline
I. Introduction
If you want an introduction, just say something to this effect: “I will analyze the
following argument in terms of validity and soundness
II. The argument
Provide a dictionary and put the argument in standard logical form. The argument in
standard logical form will consist of nothing but symbols
III. Validity
You will prove the argument is valid by constructing two truth tables.
- One truth table will consist of every premise and the conclusion. This truth table can appear at the end of your paper in an appendix. Explain why this truth table proves that the argument form is valid.
- One truth table will consist only of the last premise and the conclusion. This truth table should appear in the main text
- Explain why a premise that is a contradiction guarantees validity
- Explain why a tautology that is a conclusion guarantees validity
III. why the premises are true or false
- Explain why premise 1 is true or false
- Explain why premise 2 is true or false
- Explain why premise 3 is true or false
- Explain why premise 4 is true or false
- Explain why premise 5 is true or false
- Explain why premise 6 is true or false
- Explain why premise 7 is true or false
- Explain why the conclusion is true or false
If a statement is a contradiction or tautology, you can mention that this is the reason why it is true or false. If the statement is contingent, the truth table is worthless.
IV. Is the argument sound? You may have discussed this earlier.