Which combination leads to a cogent argument?

Study for the Western Governors University (WGU) PHIL1020 D265 Critical Thinking: Reason and Evidence Exam. Engage with multiple-choice questions, gain insights, and prepare for success!

A cogent argument is defined as one that is not only strong but also has all true premises. The quality of being cogent hinges on the strength of the inductive support provided by the premises to the conclusion. When an argument is considered cogent, it means that the evidence presented makes the conclusion highly likely to be true. Therefore, having all true premises along with strong inductive support is essential because it ensures that the conclusion is well-supported by accurate and relevant evidence.

In contrast, while options related to structure or conclusion validity may appear relevant, they do not prioritize the necessity for strong supportive relationships among the premises and the conclusion in an inductive context. An argument can have valid structure or a valid conclusion but still fail to be cogent if the premises do not offer reliable support or, more critically, are not all true. Thus, the choice that identifies all true premises coupled with strong inductive support is the only one that fulfills the definition of a cogent argument effectively.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy