Consider the following argument:
A historical archive plans to digitize its fragile 15th-century parchment manuscripts using a novel non-contact blue-spectrum laser scanner. The archive directors claim that implementing this imaging technology will significantly extend the physical lifespan of the original manuscripts compared to existing research practices. They argue that once ultra-high-resolution digital replicas are available online, scholars will no longer need to physically handle or open the bound originals.
Evaluate the following statement:
"The high-intensity light emitted by the laser scanner during the digitization process does not itself cause physical or chemical degradation to the parchment pages."
Answer: Answer
Answer
The statement is TRUE because it represents a necessary unstated assumption for the archive directors' conclusion to hold.
The argument relies on a comparison between the harm caused by manual handling and the overall effect of the digitization process. For the conclusion to hold true—that digitization extends the physical lifespan of the manuscripts—the procedure itself must not introduce a new source of damage that counteracts the benefits of reduced handling. Therefore, assuming the laser light does not degrade the parchment is necessary for the conclusion to stand.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying Unstated Assumptions via the Negation Test