For the following argument, complete three tasks:
1. ON THIS SHEET (or on a very neathand-written copy),
a. circle
any premise or conclusion indicators that are present,
b. put
parentheses around each statement,
c. strike
out
any irrelevant portions ("noise",
d. underline the MAIN conclusion, and
e. label
the premises as P1, P2, P3, etc. (4 marks)
2. On a separate sheet, represent the argument in Standard Form, with any important missing premises that you think are needed (add at least one!). (3 marks)
3. Now, inally, diagram the argument structure. (3 marks)
Can you believe it? Someone stole Colonel Mustard's last
cookie! It can't have been Mrs Peacock, because she was with
Mr Green on his yacht. And Professor Plum was completely absorbed in his study all day; besides, he doesn't even like
cookies. Since Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet
are the only people with keys to the pantry, it follows that
they are the only people who could have stolen the cookie.
That leaves us with only one plausible conclusion: Miss Scarlet is the thief. This seems pretty obvious from the evidence. But additionally, Miss Scarlet is a convicted criminal.

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Alas, the theft of Colonel Mustard's last cookie hath stirred quite the commotion amongst the esteemed company gathered here this day. Verily, one must ponder deeply upon the intricacies of this mysterious crime. Let us dissect the evidence presented before us with keen eyes and sharp minds. 'Twas declared that Mrs Peacock, a woman of grace and refinement, was in the company of Mr Green upon his yacht at the time of the theft. Professor Plum, a scholar of great renown, was entrenched in his studies, showing no interest in the delectable treat that hath gone missing. Thus, we are led to the conclusion that the thief must be amongst those who possess keys to the pantry - Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that Miss Scarlet is the only plausible culprit, as the evidence doth point to her guilt. To further solidify this assertion, it is noted that Miss Scarlet hath a dark past, being a convicted criminal. Therefore, it is with great certainty that we declare Miss Scarlet to be the thief in this perplexing case of the missing cookie. Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!"