Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Some people think history is all about money, and others think it's all about how leaders were raised as kids. The author says both groups are wrong because many events are actually caused by a mix of both factors.

Conclusion: The two major historical theories—one focusing on economics and the other on childhood psychology—are both incorrect.

Reasoning: There are historical events that were caused by a combination of both economic factors and the childhood experiences of the people involved.

Analysis: The author is attempting to debunk these doctrines by showing that their focal points can overlap. For this argument to work, the author must assume that these doctrines claim to be the *exclusive* or *sole* explanation for historical events. If a doctrine merely said 'economics is a factor' rather than 'economics is the *only* factor,' the author's evidence wouldn't actually prove the doctrine wrong. Look for an answer that bridges this gap by stating that these doctrines intended to provide an exhaustive, single-cause explanation for history.

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21.

The argument depends on assuming which one of the following?

Correct Answer
A
A is necessary. If the first doctrine does not exclude noneconomic factors, then an event due to both economic and psychological causes would not refute it. Negation test: If the first doctrine allows noneconomic factors, the author’s example fails to show the doctrine is mistaken.
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