Security Analyst: Every automated manufacturing facility that complies with the national cybersecurity framework implements continuous endpoint monitoring. The chemical processing plant in the eastern district implements continuous endpoint monitoring. Therefore, the chemical processing plant in the eastern district must comply with the national cybersecurity framework.
Which of the following arguments exhibits a flawed pattern of reasoning most similar to that in the security analyst's argument?
- AEvery certified organic orchard that undergoes regular soil auditing refrains from applying synthetic defoliants. The fruit orchard on the upland ridge applies synthetic defoliants. Hence, the fruit orchard on the upland ridge cannot be a certified organic orchard that undergoes regular soil auditing.
- BEvery secure corporate network that is vulnerable to unauthorized penetration lacks multi-factor authentication. The central payroll database lacks multi-factor authentication. Consequently, the central payroll database is at risk of being targeted by unauthorized users.
- Any commercial cargo port that qualifies for federal maritime modernization subsidies features automated container-tracking terminals. The freight dock at Point Mercer features automated container-tracking terminals. Thus, the freight dock at Point Mercer must qualify for federal maritime modernization subsidies.Answer
- DAny municipal railway line that maintains high on-time reliability utilizes an electrified signaling network. The commuter line along the northern corridor does not utilize an electrified signaling network. Therefore, the commuter line along the northern corridor will never achieve high on-time reliability under any operational circumstances.
- EMost geothermal power stations that operate at peak turbine capacity require auxiliary heat exchangers, which in turn require frequent maintenance. Because the power station near the caldera requires frequent maintenance, its primary turbines must be operating at peak capacity.
Answer
The argument concluding that the freight dock at Point Mercer must qualify for federal maritime modernization subsidies because it features automated container-tracking terminals.
The correct argument duplicates the precise structural error of affirming the consequent. In both the stimulus and the matching option, a universal rule states that membership in a class guarantees a necessary feature (A -> B). The author then observes that a specific subject possesses that feature (B) and improperly concludes that the subject must belong to that class (A).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Parallel Flaw: Mistaken Reversal (Affirming the Consequent)
Estimated Time:1m 30s