Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardEquivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)

Mayor: The historical preservation board claims we should not approve the new skyscraper because it would destroy the unique character of the downtown district. However, building this skyscraper requires a massive collaborative effort, a commitment to overcoming immense engineering challenges, and a dedication to improving our city's future. These are all qualities that undeniably build strong character. Thus, the board is mistaken; the skyscraper project will actually enhance, not destroy, character.

The reasoning in the mayor's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument...

  1. illicitly relies on two distinct senses of the word "character" in reaching its conclusion.Answer
  2. B
    infers that because the process of constructing a building requires certain virtues, the completed building will inevitably impart those virtues to its surroundings.
  3. C
    takes characteristics that are necessary for completing a large-scale construction project to be sufficient for preserving a district's historical value.
  4. D
    attempts to undermine the preservation board's position by rejecting a factual premise that the board has not actually advanced.
  5. E
    presumes, without providing justification, that overcoming engineering challenges is the primary cause of positive civic development, rather than merely coinciding with it.

Answer

The argument is flawed because it illicitly relies on two distinct senses of the word "character" in reaching its conclusion.
The correct answer accurately describes the flaw of equivocation. The preservation board is concerned with the 'character' of the district in an aesthetic, architectural, or historical sense. The mayor counters by discussing the 'character' built by hard work and collaboration—meaning moral or psychological virtues. Because the mayor uses a completely different definition of the word, the mayor's premises about moral virtues do nothing to refute the board's concerns about architectural aesthetics.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the preservation board's claim.
The board opposes the skyscraper because it will destroy the downtown district's 'unique character'.
To understand the original context of the debate.
2
Analyze the mayor's counterargument and premises.
The mayor lists virtues required to build the skyscraper (collaboration, commitment) and claims these build 'strong character'.
To identify how the mayor attempts to refute the board.
3
Compare the usage of the key term in both claims.
The board uses 'character' to mean architectural style or historical ambiance. The mayor uses 'character' to mean moral strength or psychological fortitude.
To evaluate whether the mayor is addressing the exact same issue as the board.
4
Identify the logical flaw.
The mayor's conclusion that the project will 'enhance, not destroy, character' is invalid because it uses a different definition of the word than the one central to the board's objection.
Arguments must use terms consistently to be logically valid.

Key Concept

Equivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)
Rate this question

Topics

Equivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)

More questions from this topic