Logic Writing Assignment #2

The fictional detective Sherlock Holmes’ style of reasoning is often described as deductive, though he primarily uses inductive arguments such as inference to the best explanation and causal reasoning. Using Sherlock Holmes as a model, practice the use of inductive reasoning by forming a causal argument. Write one paragraph describing an actual or imaginary scenario in which you solve a mystery, e.g., an everyday problem like your car not starting or a criminal case like those investigated by Holmes. You will use the process of elimination, searching for all possible causes or suspects, and finding reasons that eliminate all of them except for one. Make sure to clearly describe the problem or mystery and explain in detail how you solved it. After writing the paragraph, state your causal reasoning in standard argument form. Use your imagination and come up with an original example, and make sure that it contains at least three possible causes or suspects. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

12 point type, number and staple pages if more than one page.

Sample Arguments

1. My car won’t start and the possible causes are (A) an electrical problem, (B) dirty spark plugs, or (C) an empty gas tank.

2. Careful inspection shows that the electrical system is functioning correctly and that none of the spark plugs are dirty.

3. The fuel gauge indicates that the gas tank is empty.

4. Therefore, the cause of my car not starting is an empty gas tank.

1. Someone broke into the department store last night and there are only possible suspects: (A) Fast Freddy, (B) Gorgeous George, and (C) Jessie James.

2. The burglar left muddy footprints in the store.

3. The footprints match Gorgeous George’s shoes, which have traces of mud on them.

4. Both Fast Freddy’s and Jessie James’ shoe size is very different than the footprints left in the store.

5. Therefore, Gorgeous George committed the burglary.