Self-Learning Module: Logic and Critical Thinking (MIDTERM)

Lesson: Argument Analysis – Determining Validity and Soundness

I. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Define and differentiate arguments, premises, and conclusions.

2. Identify various argument forms, including standard form, contrapositive, biconditional, disjunctive,
hypothetical, and others.

3. Analyze arguments to determine validity (logical structure) and soundness (truth of premises).

4. Construct their own arguments using different logical forms.

5. Apply critical thinking to evaluate real-life arguments in daily decision-making.

II. Key Concepts and Broader Explanations

1. Argument

An argument is a set of statements where some statements (premises) are intended to provide support or
evidence for another statement (the conclusion).

 Premises – Statements that provide reasons or evidence.

 Conclusion – The statement that the premises aim to support.

2. Validity

 An argument is valid if, assuming the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

 Key point: Validity focuses on logical form, not whether the premises are actually true.

3. Soundness

 An argument is sound if it is valid and all its premises are true.

 A sound argument guarantees the truth of the conclusion.

4. Standard Form Argument

 Structure:

o Premise 1: If P, then Q

o Premise 2: P

o Conclusion: Therefore, Q

 Example:

o Premise 1: If it rains, the ground gets wet.

o Premise 2: It is raining.

o Conclusion: Therefore, the ground gets wet.

5. Contrapositive

 For any conditional statement "If P, then Q," the contrapositive is "If not Q, then not P."
  Always logically equivalent to the original statement.

 Example:

o Original: If I study, I pass the exam.

o Contrapositive: If I do not pass the exam, I did not study.

6. Biconditional (If and Only If)

 “P if and only if Q” means:

o P → Q and Q → P

 Allows reasoning in both directions.

 Example:

o If I am eligible to vote, then I am 18 or older.

o If I am 18 or older, then I am eligible to vote.

7. Other Argument Forms

 Modus Ponens: If P → Q, P, therefore Q

 Modus Tollens: If P → Q, ¬Q, therefore ¬P

 Disjunctive Syllogism: P ∨ Q, ¬P, therefore Q

 Hypothetical Syllogism: P → Q, Q → R, therefore P → R

 Constructive Dilemma: (P → Q) ∧ (R → S), P ∨ R, therefore Q ∨ S

III. Self-Learning Activities

Activity 1: Identifying Argument Types and Validity

Instructions: Read the arguments below. Identify:

 Argument form (e.g., Modus Ponens, Modus Tollens, Disjunctive Syllogism)

 Validity (Valid / Invalid)

 Notes on reasoning

Arguments:

1. If it rains, the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet.

2. If I exercise, I will be healthy. I am not healthy. Therefore, I did not exercise.

3. Either I will study or watch TV. I will not watch TV. Therefore, I will study.

4. If the light is on, then someone is home. The light is on. Therefore, someone is home.

5. If I eat too much sugar, I gain weight. I gained weight. Therefore, I ate too much sugar.

6. If it is snowing, school is canceled. School is canceled. Therefore, it is snowing.

7. If a person is a doctor, they studied medicine. Maria is a doctor. Therefore, Maria studied medicine.

8. Either I will travel or stay home. I did not travel. Therefore, I stayed home.

9. If I pass the exam, I will celebrate. I passed the exam. Therefore, I will celebrate.
 10. If a figure is a square, then it has four equal sides. This figure has four equal sides. Therefore, it is a
square.

Deliverable: Complete a table like this:

| Argument | Form | Valid/Invalid | Notes on reasoning |

Activity 2: Contrapositive and Biconditional

Instructions: Rewrite the following conditional statements in contrapositive and biconditional forms.

Statements:

1. If a number is divisible by 4, then it is even.

2. If it is sunny, I will go jogging.

3. If a figure is a square, it has four equal sides.

4. If I drink coffee, I stay awake.

5. If a person is a teenager, they are between 13 and 19 years old.

6. If it is a holiday, banks are closed.

7. If it rains, the streets are wet.

8. If the alarm rings, the students wake up.

9. If a student studies hard, they pass the exam.

10. If it is freezing, the lake will freeze.

Deliverable: Create a chart:

| Original Statement | Contrapositive | Biconditional |

Activity 3: Real-Life Argument Analysis

Instructions: Find a real-life argument (news article, social media post, debate, advertisement). Identify:

 Premises

 Conclusion

 Type of argument

 Validity and soundness

Deliverable:

 Video Reflection: 3–5 minutes explaining your analysis

Prompt Questions:

1. Are the premises true?

2. Does the conclusion logically follow?

3. How could the argument be improved?

4. Are there hidden assumptions?

Activity 4: Construct Your Own Arguments

Instructions: Create two original arguments using:

 One standard form

 One contrapositive or biconditional form

Then determine their validity and soundness.

Deliverable: Write your arguments and explain reasoning. Include at least 5 sentences of explanation per
argument.

Prompt Questions:

1. What is the conclusion?

2. What are the premises?

3. Why is the argument valid/invalid?

4. Why is the argument sound/unsound?

5. Could it be improved?

IV. Test Questions

Multiple Choice

1. Which argument is sound?

A. If it rains, the ground gets wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet.
B. If pigs can fly, then I am a millionaire. Pigs can fly. Therefore, I am a millionaire.
C. If 2 + 2 = 5, then I am a student. 2 + 2 = 5. Therefore, I am a student.
D. If the moon is made of cheese, I am a cat. The moon is not made of cheese. Therefore, I am not a
cat.

2. The contrapositive of “If P, then Q” is:

A. If Q, then P
B. If not P, then not Q
C. If not Q, then not P
D. If Q, then not P

3. “P if and only if Q” means:

A. P implies Q
B. Q implies P
C. Both P → Q and Q → P
D. Either P or Q is true

4. Modus Tollens can be summarized as:

A. If P → Q, P, therefore Q

C. P ∨ Q, ¬P, therefore Q
B. If P → Q, ¬Q, therefore ¬P

D. P → Q, Q → R, therefore P → R

5. Which of these is a disjunctive syllogism?

A. Either I will travel or stay home. I will not travel. Therefore, I stay home.
B. If I study, I pass. I study. Therefore, I pass.
C. If it rains, the ground is wet. It is not wet. Therefore, it did not rain.
D. If I exercise, I am healthy. If I am healthy, I live longer. Therefore, if I exercise, I live longer.
 6. Hypothetical syllogism example:
A. If it rains, I will take an umbrella. If I take an umbrella, I won’t get wet. Therefore, if it rains, I won’t
get wet.
B. If it rains, I take an umbrella. I take an umbrella. Therefore, I am not wet.
C. Either I study or play. I do not play. Therefore, I study.
D. If it rains, the streets are wet. The streets are wet. Therefore, it rained.

7. Which statement is logically equivalent to: If it is Monday, then we have a meeting?

A. If we do not have a meeting, then it is not Monday.
B. If we have a meeting, then it is Monday.
C. Either it is not Monday or we have a meeting.
D. All of the above

8. “If a student studies hard, then they pass” – which is Modus Ponens?
A. Student studies hard → Pass. Student studies hard → Pass.
B. Student studies hard → Pass. Student did not pass → Student did not study hard.
C. Student studies hard → Pass. Student passed → Student studied hard.
D. Student studies hard → Pass. Student did not study hard → Student did not pass.

9. A sound argument:
A. Premises false, valid form
B. Premises true, invalid form
C. Premises true, valid form
D. Premises false, invalid form

10. Contrapositive is used to:

A. Reverse the conclusion
B. Ensure logical equivalence
C. Make an argument invalid
D. Replace premises with conclusions

Short Answer / Application

1. Determine the validity and soundness of:

o Premise 1: All birds can fly.

o Premise 2: Penguins are birds.

o Conclusion: Penguins can fly.

2. Rewrite “If it rains, then I bring an umbrella” in contrapositive and biconditional.

3. Identify a disjunctive syllogism in your daily life.

4. Create a Modus Tollens argument about health or school.

5. Explain why “If 2 + 2 = 4, then cats can fly” is valid or invalid.

6. Give a biconditional argument about eligibility to vote.

7. Analyze a social media post for premises and conclusion.

8. Identify hidden assumptions in an advertisement argument.

9. Convert “If it is cold, I wear a jacket” into a contrapositive.

10. Write a short reflection on why understanding soundness matters.

Essay / Reflection

 Reflect on the importance of validity and soundness in arguments.

 How does analyzing arguments improve your critical thinking and decision-making?

 Provide at least 5 examples of real-life situations where argument analysis is useful.

Instructions for Submission of Requirements

You are required to submit two outputs for this module: Written Answers/Activities/reflections and Video
Presentation. Please follow the instructions carefully:

Submission Guidelines:

 Write clearly and legibly in your own handwriting OR print your typed answers.

 Answers should be arranged in the order of activities and test questions.

o Name

o Course/Section

o Module Title

Deadline: January 16, 2026

✔ Note: Hard copy submission is required. Digital written submissions will not be accepted.

B. Video Presentation (Online Submission)

Video Instructions:

Your video must:

1. Be at least 3–5 minutes long

2. Contain:

o Identification of the chosen real-life argument

o Breakdown of premises and conclusion

o Validity and soundness evaluation

o Your personal reflection on how this lesson improves critical thinking

3. Your face must be visible in the recording

4. Speak clearly and confidently

Video Submission Guidelines

✔ Upload your video to any of the following platforms:

 YouTube (unlisted or private link allowed)

 Google Drive (make sure the link is accessible)

  OneDrive

❗ DO NOT send the actual video file—only the link.

📌 Submit your video link in the class group chat with the following message format:

Format:

Name – Video Output for Logic and Critical Thinking Module – Argument Analysis

Example:

Juan Dela Cruz – Video Output for Logic and Critical Thinking Module – Argument Analysis

Plagiarism Reminder

All parts of this module must be answered honestly and originally. Copy-pasted answers (from AI, classmates,
or online sources) may be invalidated.

Final Note

You must submit:

 Hard copy of written answers, AND

 Video link posted in the group chat

Failure to comply with submission guidelines may affect your score.