Necessary AssumptionDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: The 'multiple-use' rule for land means doing what's best for the public. Even if a wilderness area doesn't generate cash, it might still be the best use of that land for the people.
Conclusion: Designating land as a wilderness area is not necessarily a violation of the multiple-use philosophy.
Reasoning: The multiple-use philosophy aims to meet public needs, and wilderness areas can provide the greatest overall benefit even if they are not the most profitable use of the land.
Analysis: The argument defines 'multiple-use' as meeting public needs and then claims wilderness fits this because it offers 'overall benefit.' The logical gap here is the assumption that 'overall benefit' is synonymous with, or at least a way to, 'best meet the present and future needs of the public.' When looking for the necessary assumption, keep an eye out for an answer choice that bridges the concept of 'overall benefit' with the 'needs of the public.'
Conclusion: Designating land as a wilderness area is not necessarily a violation of the multiple-use philosophy.
Reasoning: The multiple-use philosophy aims to meet public needs, and wilderness areas can provide the greatest overall benefit even if they are not the most profitable use of the land.
Analysis: The argument defines 'multiple-use' as meeting public needs and then claims wilderness fits this because it offers 'overall benefit.' The logical gap here is the assumption that 'overall benefit' is synonymous with, or at least a way to, 'best meet the present and future needs of the public.' When looking for the necessary assumption, keep an eye out for an answer choice that bridges the concept of 'overall benefit' with the 'needs of the public.'
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage17.Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
Correct Answer
D
Multiple use is defined by meeting the public’s needs. The argument’s justification depends on counting nonfinancial benefits toward those needs. If the multiple-use philosophy didn’t include some nonfinancial needs, then showing that wilderness yields “overall benefit” despite low dollar return wouldn’t defend it as compatible with multiple use. Negation test: If multiple use does not consider any nonfinancial needs, the argument fails.
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