Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Moore claims sunscreen is useless because people who use it get skin cancer just as often as people who don't use it at all.

Conclusion: Sunscreen lotions are ineffective at blocking the radiation that causes skin cancer.

Reasoning: Data indicates that frequent sunscreen users develop skin cancer at the same rate as people who rarely use it.

Analysis: This is a classic 'correlation vs. causation' or 'omitted variable' flaw. Moore ignores the possibility that people who use sunscreen are those most at risk—perhaps they spend significantly more time in the sun than those who don't use it. If the high-exposure group (using sunscreen) has the same cancer rate as the low-exposure group (not using it), the sunscreen might actually be doing a great job of bringing their risk down to 'normal' levels. Look for an answer that points out this failure to account for sun exposure levels.

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3.

The reasoning in Moore's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument

Correct Answer
E
If sunscreen users spend more time in the sun on average, then equal cancer rates could result even if sunscreen blocks UV; increased exposure offsets protection. This alternative explanation undermines Moore’s conclusion.
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