WeakenDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Researchers found that a chemical in marijuana disables herpes viruses, and since disabled herpes viruses can cause cancer, they conclude marijuana causes cancer.
Conclusion: The use of marijuana can cause cancer.
Reasoning: THC inactivates herpesviruses, and previous experiments have shown that these inactivated viruses can transform healthy cells into cancerous ones.
Analysis: This argument assumes that the laboratory results regarding 'inactivated herpesviruses' translate directly to the human body during marijuana use. To weaken this, we should look for an answer that breaks the link between the THC and the cancer-causing potential of the virus. For instance, if the amount of THC required to inactivate the virus is far higher than what a human could realistically consume, or if the body's immune system handles inactivated viruses differently than a petri dish does, the conclusion is undermined.
Conclusion: The use of marijuana can cause cancer.
Reasoning: THC inactivates herpesviruses, and previous experiments have shown that these inactivated viruses can transform healthy cells into cancerous ones.
Analysis: This argument assumes that the laboratory results regarding 'inactivated herpesviruses' translate directly to the human body during marijuana use. To weaken this, we should look for an answer that breaks the link between the THC and the cancer-causing potential of the virus. For instance, if the amount of THC required to inactivate the virus is far higher than what a human could realistically consume, or if the body's immune system handles inactivated viruses differently than a petri dish does, the conclusion is undermined.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage4.Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
Correct Answer
B
If other ingredients in marijuana neutralize THC’s carcinogenic effect (here, its pathway of inactivating herpesviruses that can lead to cancer), then marijuana use would not have that effect, undercutting the conclusion.
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