Flawed ReasoningDiff: Medium

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: An astronomer claims their theory is true simply because no one has been able to prove it's false yet.

Conclusion: The astronomer's theory regarding the cause of lunar cratering is correct.

Reasoning: Opponents have failed to prove the theory false, and their evidence against it is inconclusive.

Analysis: This is a textbook "Appeal to Ignorance" fallacy. The astronomer is confusing a "lack of evidence against a claim" with "positive evidence for a claim." Just because your opponents can't prove you're wrong doesn't mean you've been proven right; it might just mean everyone is still guessing. Look for an answer that points out this failure to provide actual supporting evidence for the thesis.

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26.

The reasoning in the astronomer's argument is flawed because this argument

Correct Answer
B
It identifies the error: concluding the thesis is true simply because attempts to refute it are inconclusive. Failure to disprove is not proof of truth.
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