Logical reasoning PrepTest 149 · Section 1 · Question 23

Incorrect. This information doesn't make the information that does exist any more suspect, which is what would be needed to strengthen the argument. Additionally, by not bringing up the accuracy of the conclusions drawn by other Roman emperors, this answer lacks a basic piece of information that's required to analyze its effect on the argument.

Incorrect. This seems like a pretty obvious statement! However, it doesn't affect this argument. There's no indication how the people generally felt about living under Caligula—just how his enemies felt.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen

Stimulus Summary:
There's little contemporaneous evidence of Caligula's behavior, and what exists is from his enemies, so the negative view of him is questionable.

Answer Anticipation:
This stimulus is interesting in that it brings up an argument from a certain group without the author taking a stance or pivoting away from it. Usually, there's a pivot, but here, we're focused on this challenge to a traditional view.

That view—of Caligula as a "cruel and insane tyrant"—is being challenged based on the poor evidence in favor of it. There is little actual documentation of his abuses, and what does exist was written by his enemies. Since this argument relies 100% on questioning evidence for a view to challenge that view, the correct answer will likely bring up another reason for us to be wary of the evidence that exists.

Answer Explanation:
This answer raises a possibility that would call the writings that do exist about Caligula into question. If the specific acts attributed to him were attributed to earlier tyrants, then it's possible that his enemies used these writings as the basis for their attacks against Caligula. In calling the evidence that does exist into question, this answer strengthens the argument that a conclusion based on that evidence is questionable. It barely strengthens the argument, but that's all that's needed for an answer to be correct here.

Key Takeaway:
This is a very difficult question, and one where it's generally easier to eliminate wrong answers that find the right one. There's nothing wrong with picking an answer because of process of elimination! However, having a solid anticipation of what the correct answer should do can help you talk yourself into picking the one answer that's left because you know what frame to view it through.

Incorrect. This either weakens the argument by showing that the view of the people aligns with the traditional view, or it adds nothing to the argument because it's already been established that the existing writings paint Caligula in a negative light.

Incorrect. Caligula could still be a tyrant even if he's not as bad as modern tyrants. Additionally, this answer doesn't address the evidence supporting his cruel nature, so it's out of scope.