Astrophysicist: The highly elliptical orbit of the exoplanet Zephyr-7 must be the result of a past collision with a massive celestial body. The only other plausible explanations for such an orbit in this type of star system are the gravitational influence of a hidden companion star or a gradual planetary migration from the outer system. However, decades of observation have confirmed the absence of any companion star in the system. Furthermore, Zephyr-7's atmosphere lacks the volatile gases that are inevitably retained by planets undergoing gradual migration from the outer system.
Which of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning used in the astrophysicist's argument?
- Aestablish its conclusion by demonstrating that a subsidiary conclusion used to support an alternative view is flawed
- Beliminate competing hypotheses by relying on implicit inferences about the typical behavior of similar star systems
- establish that a phenomenon has a specific cause by demonstrating the falsehood of all other plausible explanations for that phenomenonAnswer
- Drule out alternative explanations by shifting the meaning of the scientific criteria used to evaluate those explanations
- Ereject alternative explanations on the basis of contextual background information rather than structurally relevant evidence
Answer
The argument establishes that a phenomenon has a specific cause by demonstrating the falsehood of all other plausible explanations for that phenomenon.
The argument explicitly lists three possible causes for the exoplanet's unusual orbit. It then systematically provides evidence to definitively rule out two of these causes (the companion star and planetary migration), leaving the past collision as the only remaining possibility. This is the classic structure of an argument by elimination.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Argument by Elimination
Estimated Time:1m 30s