Multiple choice

Which of the following reasoning scenarios is most similar to the reasoning given above?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

I do not trust the Senator at all. He plans to bring a law into force that will impose heavy penalties on all the polluting industries in the State, yet, he owns a conglomerate that alone is one of the biggest polluters in the State.

  1. Doctor Higgins should not be made the President of the citizens' council. He will bring forth legislations that will benefit doctors.

  2. The prisoner should not be granted parole. The last time he was granted parole, he committed a robbery the next day.

  3. Cassius Clay is not a suitable candidate for promoting enlistment in the army. He refused to enroll in the army during the Vietnam War.

  4. The witness's damning testimony should be expunged from the record. Her son was one of the perpetrators of the crime.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

(1) Incorrect. The reasoning presented in the original argument is that how can one be serious about something that will adversely impact his personal interests. Here, the apprehension is that the doctor will bring in legislation that will benefit people from his profession. (2) Incorrect. The reasoning in the option is that because someone did an action under certain circumstances, he will do it again in similar circumstances. The original reasoning hinges on someone doing something that will entail a huge cost from him. (3) Incorrect. The reasoning in the option is that since A (C. Clay) did not do B (enroll in the army), he will be a poor candidate to ask (C) to do (B). The original reasoning is: How can A (senator) do B (impose penalties on pollution) when A will be hit by doing B? (4) Correct. The reasoning in the option is that how can A (witness) be trusted when B (her damning testimony) would harm her interests. (5) Incorrect. The reasoning in the option is that A (the General) will not be hard on B (the deserters) because he is friendly with them. It does not prove how it will be detrimental to his interests to do so.

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