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Difficulty: MediumParallel Valid Structure

If a language is to be classified as belonging to the Altaic family, it must feature vowel harmony and lack grammatical gender. The newly documented Vattian language features grammatical gender. Therefore, the Vattian language cannot be classified as belonging to the Altaic family.

Which of the following arguments is most similar in its logical structure to the argument above?

  1. A
    If a language is considered an isolate, it must have no known structural relatives and possess a unique syntax. The Zuni language has no known structural relatives and possesses a unique syntax. Thus, the Zuni language is considered an isolate.
  2. B
    If a species is considered a keystone species, it generally regulates prey populations and maintains ecological balance. The spotted lanternfly does not maintain ecological balance. Thus, it is not a keystone species.
  3. If a chemical compound is to be categorized as an alkali, it must neutralize acids and be soluble in water. Copper(II) oxide is not soluble in water. Therefore, copper(II) oxide cannot be categorized as an alkali.Answer
  4. D
    If a patient is to be diagnosed with the syndrome, they must exhibit chronic fatigue and have elevated antibody levels. This patient cannot be diagnosed with the syndrome. Therefore, the patient must not have elevated antibody levels.
  5. E
    If a manuscript is to be accepted for publication, it must be either thoroughly fact-checked or endorsed by an expert. This manuscript was not endorsed by an expert. Therefore, it will not be accepted for publication.

Answer

The argument about categorizing a chemical compound as an alkali perfectly parallels the logical structure of the stimulus.
The correct answer perfectly mirrors the valid Modus Tollens structure of the stimulus. The stimulus argues: If A, then B and C; Not C; Therefore, Not A. The correct option argues: If Alkali, then Neutralize Acids AND Soluble in Water; Not Soluble in Water; Therefore, Not Alkali. Both rely on absolute certainty and the failure of one part of a compound necessary condition to trigger a valid contrapositive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical structure of the stimulus.
Structure: If A (Altaic), then B (vowel harmony) AND C (lack gender). Premise 2: Not C (has gender). Conclusion: Therefore, Not A.
Identifying the abstract deductive architecture is necessary to find the parallel argument.
2
Determine the validity and features of the stimulus argument.
The argument is a valid application of Modus Tollens against a compound necessary condition. It uses absolute quantifiers ('must').
The correct answer must replicate the exact same validity, structure, and degree of certainty.
3
Evaluate the options against the abstract structure (If A -> B and C; ~C -> ~A).
The chemical compound option matches: If A (alkali), then B (neutralize) AND C (soluble). Premise 2: Not C (not soluble). Conclusion: Not A (not alkali).
This confirms the structural and logical equivalence without being distracted by subject matter.

Key Concept

Parallel Valid Structure (Modus Tollens with Compound Necessary Conditions)
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Parallel Valid Structure

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