Question #1041

Why doesn't it matter that the correct answer choice doesn't also begin with a statement of fact?

Started by kristinsmith04 · started 2019-12-16 21:06 · last activity 2019-12-18 00:23 · 1 reply

I originally included the bilateral symmetry piece as a diagrammed portion so I was waiting for the answer choice to have a statement of fact that leads to the middle premise, which leads to the conclusion. See below for what I mean: First, stimulus tells us ABS > CT > SA. Then, the stimulus tells us, Not SA > Not CT. So, it goes, A> B > C, thus, Not C > Not B Should I just NOT diagram factual statements like Anatomical Biological symmetry is a common trait unless it uses Suff/Nec terms like If ABS, then that person possesses a common trait Thx!

Replies

BenMingov · 2019-12-18 00:23

Hi Kristin, thanks for bringing this question up! I must admit that this question kind of got me. It actually seems to be a really odd way of just making a conditional statement and concluding the contrapositive. Reasoning: NOT Bilateral symmetry confer advantages - > NOT common Conclusion: Common - > Bilateral symmetry confer advantages Answer choice C is paralleling the original argument because it too is just concluding the contrapositive of its reasoning. It turns out the statement of fact at the beginning was the argument triggering the sufficient condition. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions!