Forms of Deductive Arguments

Question 1

What form is this called?

1. If p, then q
2. p.
   Therefore: q

Answer 1

Deductive: modus ponens

Question 2

What form is this called?

1. If p then q.
2. Not p
   Therefore: Not q

Answer 2

Deductive: modus tollens

Question 3

What form is this called?

1. Either p or q.
2. Not q
   Therefore: p

Answer 3

Deductive: disjunctive syllogism

Question 4

What form is this called?

1. If p, then q
2. If q, then r
   Therefore: if p, then r

Answer 4

Deductive: hypothetical syllogism

Question 5

What form of Argument is this called?

1. If Tony takes drugs, then he is an irresponsible person
2. Tony takes drugs

Therefore: Tony is an irresponsible person

Answer 5

Deductive: Modus ponens

Question 6

What form of Argument is this called?

1. If it rains, then the ground is wet
2. The ground is not wet

Therefore: It is not raining

Answer 6

Deductive: Modus tollens

Question 7

What form of Argument is this called?

1. Either the package will be delivered today or tomorrow
2. The package will not be
   delivered today

Therefore: The package will be delivered tomorrow

Answer 7

Deductive: disjunctive syllogism

Question 8

What form of Argument is this called?

1. If it rains, then the ground is wet
2. If the ground is wet, then the grass will grow

Therefore: If it rains, the grass will grow

Answer 8

Deductive: Hypothetical syllogism