Chapter 1.

6, Problem 2E

Problem

Find the argument form for the following argument and determine whether it is valid. Can we
conclude that the conclusion is true if the premises are true?

If George does not have eight legs, then he is not a spider.

George is a spider.

George has eight legs.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1 of 2

Let be the proposition “George does not have eight legs” and

Let be the proposition “George is not an insect” .

Step 2 of 2
Then, the given argument is of the form,

The above argument is valid because it is constructed by Modus Tollens, a valid argument form.

Therefore, the conclusion is true if premises are true.