The assignment for the Week 4 Discussion is as follows:

Step 1. Provide an original example of a strong inductive argument.

Step 2. Repeat the argument from Step 1, but now add one or more premises that weaken the argument. That is, you should add one or more premises that make the conclusion less likely to be true than was the case with the original argument in Step 1.

Step 3. Repeat the argument from Step 2, but now add one or more premises that strengthen the argument. That is, you should add one or more premises that make the conclusion more likely to be true than was the case with the argument in Step 2.

To illustrate, here’s an example:

Argument 1

(P1) 70% of musicians can read music.

(P2) Sheila is a musician.

(C) Sheila can probably read music.

Argument 2

(P1) 70% of musicians can read music.

(P2) Sheila is a musician.

(P3) Sheila is a drummer.

(P4) Only 30% of drummers can read music.

(C) Sheila can probably read music.

Argument 3

(P1) 70% of musicians can read music.

(P2) Sheila is a musician.

(P3) Sheila is a drummer.

(P4) Only 30% of drummers can read music.

(P5) Sheila graduated from Peabody Conservatory.

(P6) 95% of the graduates of Peabody Conservatory know how to read music.

(C) Sheila can probably read music.

Lastly, in addition to the above, you should raise an original question about the assigned reading for this week. Your question should be unique to you.