Ecologist: Any temperate wetland that effectively mitigates regional flooding must support a dense population of peat-forming bryophytes. Most coastal wetlands in the northern basin support dense populations of peat-forming bryophytes. Thus, at least some coastal wetlands in the northern basin effectively mitigate regional flooding.
Which of the following arguments exhibits a flawed pattern of reasoning most similar to the flawed pattern of reasoning in the ecologist's argument?
- AEvery archival manuscript transcribed before the fourteenth century contains iron gall ink. This newly discovered codex contains iron gall ink. Hence, this codex was definitely transcribed before the fourteenth century.
- BAny temperate wetland that suffers from severe eutrophication cannot support migratory waterfowl. Some wetlands in the northern basin support migratory waterfowl. Consequently, these northern basin wetlands do not suffer from severe eutrophication.
- Any historic commercial building that achieves net-zero thermal loss must incorporate double-glazed lime plaster. Most mid-century civic structures in the capital incorporate double-glazed lime plaster. Therefore, at least some mid-century civic structures in the capital achieve net-zero thermal loss.Answer
- DAll certified master electricians must complete advanced coursework in high-voltage circuitry. Most senior project managers at the engineering firm have completed advanced coursework in high-voltage circuitry. It follows that every senior project manager at the firm is a certified master electrician.
- EAny patent application that introduces a genuinely novel manufacturing process will be granted expedited review. Most software patent applications submitted this quarter do not introduce genuinely novel manufacturing processes. Thus, most software patent applications submitted this quarter will not be granted expedited review.
Answer
The argument concluding that at least some mid-century civic structures achieve net-zero thermal loss exhibits the identical structural defect of treating a shared necessary condition as evidence of category overlap.
The correct argument exhibits the exact structure and logical defect of the stimulus. It begins with a universal rule establishing a necessary condition (), observes that a majority of a secondary class possesses this condition (Most are ), and invalidly infers an existential overlap between the two classes (Some are ).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Parallel Flaw Identification: Confusing Necessary and Sufficient Conditions Across Quantified Categorical Syllogisms
Estimated Time:2m 0s