What does validity refer to in an argument?

Validity in an argument specifically refers to the logical structure and coherence of the argument rather than the truth of its premises. When an argument is valid, it means that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true; this establishes a necessary connection between them based on logical reasoning. This is distinct from the truth of the individual statements within the premises, as validity concerns itself with how those premises link together to support the conclusion.

This logical structure is foundational in evaluating arguments, as it allows one to assess the reasoning process independent of the actual truth value of the premises. While premises can be true or false, a valid argument maintains a reliable form that makes the conclusion logically inevitable based on those premises. Understanding validity is crucial for constructing sound arguments and for critical analysis in debate and discussion contexts.