Logic Writing Assignment #7

Diagram the following complex argument, and both identify and evaluate each of the simple arguments found in it. All the statements are part of the argument and the there are no unstated premises.

On the paper you email me:

(1) Write out each of the simple arguments in standard form, numbering the premises and conclusions and placing them on separate lines, indicating the conclusions by starting with the word ‘Therefore’. (Tip: You can cut and paste the statements from the copy of these guidelines posted on the course website, though you may need to reword it.) If a statement is a conclusion in one argument and a premise in another, you will need to state it separately in each simple argument.

(2) Then identify and evaluate each of the simple arguments: Is it deductive or inductive? Which type of inductive or deductive argument is it? If it is deductive, determine whether it is valid or invalid. (Show your work on the hard copy.) If it is inductive, indicate the criteria for determining the strength of this type of argument and use them to evaluate the argument. (I’m less concerned about whether your think it is strong or weak than the reasons you give for this.)

On the hard copy:

Add a written diagram of the complex argument at the end, using the numbers on the handout.

12 point type, staple.

(1) My neighbor is probably a musician, (2) because both your neighbor and my neighbor were seen carrying musical instruments, (3) and your neighbor is a musician. (4) If some of my neighbors are musicians, then my neighbor is probably a musician. (5) So, some of my neighbors are musicians. (6) It follows that some of my neighbors are above average mathematicians, (7) because all musicians are above average mathematicians. (8) This follows from a recent study in which all of the 1000 musicians surveyed turned out to be above average mathematicians.