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Difficulty: Very hardFlaw in the Reasoning

Sociologist: A society cannot achieve lasting social harmony unless it fosters a robust middle class and ensures equitable access to higher education. Historical data from the last century indicates that whenever a nation has ensured equitable access to higher education, a robust middle class has inevitably emerged within a generation. Therefore, merely by ensuring equitable access to higher education, a society can guarantee the achievement of lasting social harmony.

Which of the following best describes the logical flaw in the sociologist's argument?

  1. The argument treats the fulfillment of conditions that are necessary for a particular outcome as being sufficient to guarantee that outcome.Answer
  2. B
    The argument takes for granted that a historical correlation between educational policies and demographic shifts demonstrates a causal connection between them.
  3. C
    The argument overlooks the possibility that a robust middle class can develop in a society that lacks equitable access to higher education.
  4. D
    The argument infers that because a condition is sufficient to produce a specific social change, it is also necessary for that change.
  5. E
    The argument ignores the possibility that other factors aside from higher education might be necessary to foster a robust middle class.

Answer

The argument treats the fulfillment of conditions that are necessary for a particular outcome as being sufficient to guarantee that outcome.
The sociologist's first sentence establishes that equitable access to higher education and a robust middle class are necessary conditions for lasting social harmony ('cannot achieve... unless'). The second sentence establishes that equitable access is sufficient to create a robust middle class. Based on this, the sociologist concludes that equitable access is sufficient to guarantee social harmony. However, even if equitable access guarantees that all the known necessary conditions are met, fulfilling necessary conditions is not the same as fulfilling sufficient conditions. The author mistakenly treats the fulfillment of necessary requirements as a guarantee of the outcome.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Map the conditional statements in the first premise.
Lasting Social Harmony (LSH) requires both a Robust Middle Class (RMC) and Equitable Access to Higher Education (EAHE). Therefore, LSH requires RMC and EAHE.
Identifying the baseline requirements established by the author is crucial for analyzing the logic.
2
Map the conditional statement in the second premise.
Ensuring Equitable Access (EAHE) inevitably leads to a Robust Middle Class (RMC). Therefore, EAHE is sufficient for RMC.
Understanding how the author connects the two necessary conditions helps trace the argument's progression.
3
Analyze the conclusion drawn from these premises.
The author concludes that ensuring Equitable Access (EAHE) guarantees Lasting Social Harmony (LSH). Therefore, EAHE is sufficient for LSH.
Comparing the conclusion to the premises reveals the logical leap.
4
Evaluate the logical leap for flaws.
While EAHE fulfills both necessary conditions for LSH (by being one condition and triggering the other), satisfying necessary conditions does not guarantee an outcome. The author confuses necessary conditions for sufficient ones.
A valid deduction cannot treat requirements as guarantees.

Key Concept

Necessary vs. Sufficient Conditions
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Flaw in the Reasoning

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