Question 21

Hey @Zahra thanks for your question. This argument is actually challenging he general claim that "evolution always optimizes survival." In light of that, does it make sense why we would call the moose antler case a counter example of the general claim? Let me know if you have more questions about this!

How is this not A? I can't figure out what is wrong with choice A because it is citing an example and its aim is to cast doubt on the competing argument that "evolution always optimizes survival".

@wills, Great question. Let's take a look at (A) and (C). (A) says, "citing an example to cast doubt on a competing argument" (C) says, "challenging a general claim by presenting a counterexample" The key difference between (A) and (C) is whether or not the argument is challenging/casting doubt on a competing argument (A) or general claim (C). The reason that (C) is correct and (A) is wrong is because the argument is challenging a general claim. The general claim is implicit—it's that some people believe that evolution always optimizes for survival of an organism. The reason that this is a general claim—and not an argument—is because an argument has at least two parts: a premise and a conclusion. This claim does not have any support (that is, a premise), so it's lacking the components necessary to be considered an argument. This is why (A) is wrong. Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions!

So A is wrong because it isn't an explicit (premise/conclusion) argument?

@Alec, A is wrong because there aren't any competing arguments referenced, so it doesn't match up well.