Question

Difficulty: HardParallel Quantifier Logic

Most architects working in the modernist tradition deliberately avoid ornamentation. Furthermore, most architects working in the modernist tradition prioritize functional spatial layouts. It follows logically that at least some architects who avoid ornamentation prioritize functional spatial layouts.

The pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most logically similar to that in which one of the following?

  1. A
    Most local politicians support the new zoning law. Most supporters of the new zoning law also support property tax reform. Thus, some local politicians support property tax reform.
  2. B
    Some ancient artifacts are preserved in museums. Some ancient artifacts are entirely privately owned. Therefore, some items preserved in museums are entirely privately owned.
  3. Most classical symphonies heavily feature a string section. Additionally, most classical symphonies are divided into four distinct movements. Consequently, some classical symphonies that heavily feature a string section are divided into four distinct movements.Answer
  4. D
    All corporate lawyers have passed a rigorous bar exam. Some individuals who have passed a rigorous bar exam are currently practicing judges. Hence, some corporate lawyers are currently practicing judges.
  5. E
    Most commercial pilots undergo physiological testing. Anyone who undergoes physiological testing must learn advanced stress management techniques. So, most commercial pilots must learn advanced stress management techniques.

Answer

The argument about classical symphonies heavily featuring a string section and being divided into four movements.
The correct answer accurately replicates the 'Most + Most = Some' logical structure of the stimulus. It assigns two majority traits to a single subject (classical symphonies), and validly deduces that because both traits apply to more than half of the subject, there must be an overlap where at least some entities possess both traits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical structure of the stimulus argument.
Premise 1: Most A (modernist architects) are B (avoid ornamentation). Premise 2: Most A (modernist architects) are C (prioritize functional layouts). Conclusion: Therefore, some B are C.
Identifying the formal abstract pattern of the argument is required before finding its parallel.
2
Determine the validity of the stimulus argument.
The argument is logically valid. Because 'most' means more than half, if more than half of A are B, and more than half of A are C, those two majority subgroups must mathematically intersect, guaranteeing that at least some B are C.
A parallel argument must match not just the quantifier distribution, but also the logical validity of the original argument.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to find the exact structural match (Most A are B; Most A are C; therefore, Some B are C).
The option concerning classical symphonies matches this structure precisely: Most A (symphonies) are B (string section); Most A (symphonies) are C (four movements); therefore, Some B are C.
Only one option will maintain the exact premise-to-conclusion logical flow and quantifier strength.

Key Concept

Parallel Quantifier Logic
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