If an argument has a true conclusion, it might be sound.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The prompt presents a true/false statement for evaluation. 
Option analysis:
Option: True
To evaluate this, recall key concepts in argument theory: an argument is sound when it is valid and its premises are true; the truth of the conclusion follows from the truth of the premises under the logical structure. However, a true conclusion alone does not guarantee that the argument is valid, nor that the premises are true. 
First, consider that a valid argument with true premises necessarily has a true conclusion, but the converse is not guaranteed: an argument could have a true conclusion even if it is invalid or if some premises are false. 
Second, the phrase "it might be sound" expresses possibility. It is indeed possible for an argument with a true conclusion to be sound, but that is contingent on the argument also being valid and having true premises. The statement does not assert that all such arguments are sound; it only claims that there is a possibility. 
Third, potential misunderstandings might lead someone to think that a true conclusion guarantees soundness, which is incorrect because validity and premise truth are separate requirements for soundness. 
Fourth, by focusing on the logical relationship, we acknowledge that while a true conclusion is compatible with soundness, it is not sufficient on its own. An argument with a true conclusion could still be invalid or rely on false premises, making it unsound. 
Fifth, the wording "might be sound" invites consideration of cases where the argument happens to be sound; it does not assert inevitability. Thus, the statement is compatible with the possibility of soundness, even though it is not universally guaranteed. 
In summary, the consideration hinges on distinguishing between the conclusion's truth and the joint criteria for soundness (validity plus true premises). A true conclusion by itself does not imply soundness, but it does not rule out the possibility that the argument is sound in the appropriate cases. 
Thus, given the phrasing, the statement acknowledges a real possibility for soundness without claiming necessity, which aligns with careful logical understanding.

PHI 007Y A01 WQ 2025 Week 1 Quiz

If an argument has a true conclusion, it might be sound.

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