Script from JKR's reading

[Sally Altass]

No: HPFGUIDX 156848

> > Nikkalmati: (not a mathematician so I am not sure the
> > ramifications of using "implies")
> > Let me try an example:
> > Proposed statement:  If A is a doctor, B did not die.
> > Assuming B did die, does that prove A is not a doctor?
> > No
>
> Neri:
> Yes.
>
> > Nikkalmati:
> > Of course, it is just as likely A is or is not a doctor.  We
> > can't tell
>
> Neri:
> If A was a doctor then B didn't die. If it's also given that B
> *did* die then the unavoidable conclusion is that A can't be a
> doctor.


Just a quick point that Neri doesn't seem to have grasped.  A could
could still be a doctor, but not necessarily an MD.  It is also quite
a well known point that doctors are not miracle workers, and so do
not always produce the inevitable cure.  If B did die, and A was a
doctor, can't it be given that A was just having a bad day.  JKR
does have a habit of weighing her answers carefully, but also she is
has got just as much of a habit of placing red herrings.  IMO, this
has become a little too analytical...

My brain hurts...

Sally