Archeologist: The newly discovered temple ruins are rapidly deteriorating due to exposure to severe weather conditions. To prevent these ruins from being lost to future generations forever, we must immediately secure the funding to build a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled dome over the site. Therefore, anyone who cares about preserving our history will support this funding initiative.
The archeologist's reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it
- Atakes for granted that anyone who supports the funding for the dome must also care deeply about preserving history
- fails to consider the possibility that alternative measures could be employed to shield the temple ruins from the elementsAnswer
- Cillicitly relies on two different meanings of the term "preserve" in the course of the argument
- Dpresumes that because severe weather conditions and the deterioration of the ruins occur together, the weather must be the cause of the deterioration
- Erelies on an assumption that the recently discovered temple ruins are the most historically significant artifacts in the region
Answer
The correct answer is the option that points out the failure to consider alternative preservation methods.
The archeologist's argument presents a problem (weather-related deterioration) and concludes that one specific solution (building a climate-controlled dome) must be supported by anyone who wants to solve the problem. This reasoning is flawed because it assumes that the proposed dome is the ONLY way to solve the problem. The argument entirely ignores the possibility of other preservation methods, such as constructing a simpler roof, applying protective chemical coatings, or reburying the ruins. By acting as though the dome and total destruction are the only two options, the argument presents a false dilemma.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
False Dilemma (False Dichotomy)