Examkin

Soru

Zorluk: OrtaEquivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)

Urban Planner: To remain viable amidst shifting global climates, major coastal cities must undergo immediate and extensive adaptation. However, evolutionary biologists have conclusively demonstrated that genuine adaptation cannot be rushed; it is a gradual process requiring hundreds of generations of natural selection. Consequently, our coastal cities cannot realistically remain viable.

Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the urban planner's argument?

  1. A
    It treats a condition that is necessary for biological evolution as though it were sufficient to ensure urban viability.
  2. It relies on two distinct and incompatible meanings of the word 'adaptation'.Cevap
  3. C
    It presumes, without providing justification, that shifting global climates are the primary cause of the structural changes occurring within coastal cities.
  4. D
    It infers that a timeline applicable to an entire biological population must also logically apply to the individual elements within it.
  5. E
    It fails to distinguish between an intermediate conclusion regarding natural selection and the main conclusion concerning coastal cities.

Cevap

The argument is flawed because it relies on two distinct and incompatible meanings of the word 'adaptation'.
The correct answer accurately identifies the fallacy of equivocation. The argument hinges on the word 'adaptation.' In the opening sentence, 'adaptation' means conscious, structural modifications (e.g., building seawalls). In the second sentence, 'adaptation' means the biological evolution of species through natural selection. By treating these two distinct concepts as identical, the argument draws an invalid conclusion.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the urban planner's first premise.
The planner states that coastal cities need 'adaptation' to survive climate shifts.
Understanding the context of the first premise reveals that 'adaptation' here refers to deliberate, structural, or policy modifications made by humans to urban environments.
2
Analyze the urban planner's second premise.
The planner states that 'adaptation' requires hundreds of generations of natural selection, according to evolutionary biologists.
Understanding the context of the second premise reveals that 'adaptation' here refers to a purely biological, genetic process occurring in living populations.
3
Evaluate how the premises combine to form the conclusion.
The planner concludes that cities cannot survive because they don't have hundreds of generations to wait.
The conclusion is logically flawed because it illegitimately applies the constraints of biological 'adaptation' to the structural 'adaptation' of a city. This is the fallacy of equivocation.

Anahtar Kavram

Equivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)
Tahmini Süre:1m 30s
Bu soruyu puanla

Konular

Equivocation (Uncertain Use of a Term)

Bu konudan daha fazla soru