visual interaction #3

Since the editorial that's coming up has six paragraphs, let's practice with one more
example that's even longer so that you'll feel more confident before turning to the
editorial. As you have seen from the previous example, reasons can be structured
in elaborate ways. A final conclusion can be supported by any number of "threads"
or strings of supporting reasons each of which may be composed of several mini-
arguments. The last example had two mini-arguments supporting a final conclusion.
Here's the last practice example:

Example

(1)Hal, I think the car problem you're having is in your distributor. (2)When I checked the spark plugs, there was no current at the plugs. (3)If there's no current at the plugs, then either your alternator is out or your distributor isn't working. (4) So it must be either the alternator or the distributor. (5) If your alternator isn't working, then the warning light on your dashboard would be on. (6) But the light isn't on.

Before you start the tutorial to construct the argument visually, you'll need to know about
the last symbol ( the + with a circle around it ). When two or more reasons support the
conclusion together as a group, we will show that visually by adding the circle-plus symbol
between the two reasons. Look at the following argument for example:

                      Conclusion: (1) Jane is mortal.
                                           -------------------------
                          Reasons: (2) Jane is a woman.
                                           (3) All women are mortal.

The conclusion that Jane is mortal follows from the reasons only when both reasons are
taken together; the conclusion does not follow from either one of the reasons alone. We
indicate this visually by adding the circle-plus symbol between the two reasons. Here's
what the argument looks like visually:

Now go back to the example in the blue box. After you've identified the conclusion and
the reasons, you'll have to decide if any of the reasons together support the conclusion
or perhaps a mini-conclusion if there is one. After you've done this, you'll be ready to start the Tutorial.