What is a key characteristic of a "valid" argument?

A key characteristic of a valid argument is that the conclusion is logically derived from the premises. This means that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true based on the logical structure of the argument. Validity does not concern the actual truth of the premises or conclusion in the real world; rather, it is about the form of the argument itself.

For example, an argument can be valid even if the premises are false, as long as the logical connection between the premises and the conclusion is maintained. This highlights how validity is essentially about the reasoning process rather than the truthfulness of the statements involved.

Other options may focus on aspects that contribute to the soundness of an argument but do not define validity. Some mention the truth of the conclusion or the factual accuracy of the premises, which are conditions that relate more to soundness than to validity. Soundness requires that the argument be both valid and have true premises, but validity itself is solely concerned with the logical relationship between premises and conclusion. The essence of a valid argument lies in the logical structure ensuring that true premises lead to a true conclusion, making option C the correct choice.