What defines a deductive argument?

A deductive argument is characterized by its structure, where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. This guarantees the correctness of the conclusion based on its logical form and the truth of its premises. In a well-formed deductive argument, there is a direct relationship between the premises and the conclusion that leads to a necessary conclusion; thus, it is not merely probable but definitive when the premises hold true.

For instance, consider the classic example: "All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal." In this case, the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion. This quality of assuredness and necessity sets deductive arguments apart from other forms of reasoning, such as inductive arguments, which may lead to probable but not necessarily true conclusions.