Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What does validity ensure in logical reasoning?

1. The conclusion is sometimes true based on premises

2. The truth of the premises guarantees the conclusion's truth

3. The conclusion is irrelevant to the premises

4. The premises can be true without a valid conclusion

The correct answer is: The truth of the premises guarantees the conclusion's truth

Validity in logical reasoning is a concept that examines the relationship between premises and conclusion. When this principle is upheld, it ensures that if the premises of an argument are true, then the conclusion must also be true. This means that the logical structure of the argument is sound; the conclusion directly follows from the premises. Therefore, in a valid argument, the premises provide adequate support for the conclusion. Option B accurately conveys this essential characteristic of validity. It asserts that the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion, which is foundational to creating a sound argument. This ensures a clear path of reasoning whereby, should one accept the premises, one must accept the conclusion. In contrast, the other options suggest misunderstandings about validity. One option implies that conclusions may sometimes be true based on the premises, which does not define the necessary relationship that validity requires. Another option states that the conclusion is irrelevant to the premises, which indicates a lack of connection entirely, thereby negating the principle of logical reasoning. Lastly, there is also an option that suggests premises can be true while leading to an invalid conclusion, which contradicts the essence of what it means for an argument to be valid. Only option B correctly encapsulates the requirement of validity in logical reasoning.