Which of the following is incorrect in the light of inductive argument? (A) If…
2023
Which of the following is incorrect in the light of inductive argument?
(A) If the premises are true, then the conclusion is probably true.
(B) The conclusion follows probably from the premises.
(C) It is unlikely for the premises to be true and the conclusion false.
(D) It is impossible for all the premises to be true and the conclusion false.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A.
(A) and (B) only
- B.
(B) and (C) only
- C.
(C) and (D) only
- D.
(D) only
Attempted by 6 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
In inductive reasoning, the premises provide probable support for the conclusion, not a guarantee. Therefore, statements (A), (B) and (C) correctly reflect the probabilistic nature of induction. Statement (C) says that it is unlikely for the premises to be true and the conclusion false, which is the idea of a strong inductive argument. Statement (D), however, says that it is impossible for all premises to be true and the conclusion false. That is a feature of deductive validity, not induction. Hence, the incorrect statement is (D) only, i.e. Option D.