Logical reasoning PrepTest 134 · Section 1 · Question 3

Incorrect. There's no discussion that acceptance of the opposing view would lead to an undesirable consequence. That view itself argues that accepting a view (egalitarian society as making everyone conform to the same mold) would lead to undesirable consequences. The Political Scientist shows that this isn't the case.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:

Question Type:
Methods of Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Debated viewpoint - A more egalitarian society should be created
Critics - This would require total conformity
Assumption - Equality requires uniformity
Rebuttal - Promoting various interests can increase diversity and equality
Conclusion - The critics' assumption is wrong

Answer Anticipation:
Whenever the author of an argument points out an assumption made by an opposing viewpoint ("presumed by such critics"), you can bet that it's going to feature in the correct answer.

Here, the Political Scientist highlights this assumption in order to rebut it—to argue that it's not true. So the correct answer should highlight that this argument proceeds by undermining an assumption made by the opposing viewpoint.

Answer Explanation:
The Political Scientist notes that critics "presume[]" that an egalitarian society requires conformity. That assumption is then attacked in the argument by showing it's not the case, thus rebutting that objection against creating an egalitarian society. This answer properly describes the Political Scientist's argument.

Key Takeaway:
When the author of an argument points out an assumption underlying an opposing point—especially when her argument is focused on rebutting it—you should pay attention. That's a direct assault on the logic of the argument.

Incorrect. There's no accusations of self-interest on the part of the critics. This describes an ad hominem rebuttal, but the Political Scientist focuses on the argument.

Incorrect. The argument actually does quite the opposite—argues that society can be egalitarian while diversity can be enhanced.

Incorrect. Since the Political Scientist attacks the view of the critics, they must be the ones using a counterexample to a universal claim in order for it to be undermined. However, while there may be a universal claim—something to the effect of an egalitarian society being desirable—there's no counterexample to that raised by the critics. That would have to take the form of an undesirable egalitarian society.