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Question

Difficulty: EasyMethod of Reasoning

Nutritionist: Some diet advocates claim that avoiding all dietary fats is necessary for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. However, this claim is mistaken. Certain fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and walnuts, actually lower the risk of arterial inflammation and promote heart health.

Which of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning employed by the nutritionist?

  1. A
    attacking the character and motivations of the diet advocates rather than addressing their claims
  2. B
    inferring that because dietary fats are sometimes beneficial, avoiding all dietary fats is always harmful to cardiovascular health
  3. rejecting a universal claim by providing a specific counterexample that demonstrates its falsityAnswer
  4. D
    arguing that because arterial inflammation has several causes, dietary fat cannot be the primary factor
  5. E
    treating a condition that is merely sufficient for cardiovascular health as though it were strictly necessary

Answer

Rejecting a universal claim by providing a specific counterexample that demonstrates its falsity
The nutritionist's technique consists of disproving a universal rule ('avoiding all dietary fats is necessary') by presenting a concrete counterexample (omega-3 fatty acids) that contradicts the rule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conclusion of the nutritionist's argument.
The nutritionist concludes that the claim that all dietary fats must be avoided is mistaken.
Finding the conclusion clarifies the main point being defended or refuted.
2
Identify the evidence or premise supporting that conclusion.
Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds and walnuts actually promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Analyzing the supporting premises reveals how the nutritionist establishes the conclusion.
3
Characterize the logical relationship between the evidence and the claim.
The advocates claimed 'all fats must be avoided' (a universal negative), which the nutritionist refutes by citing a specific instance of a beneficial fat (a counterexample).
Abstracting this interaction matches the standard logical technique of refutation via counterexample.

Key Concept

Refutation of a universal claim using a counterexample
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Method of Reasoning

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