Flawed ReasoningDiff: Hard
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: The author claims that since you need new technology to grow the economy, and banning fossil fuels will force us to invent new technology, the ban will definitely make the economy grow.
Conclusion: A worldwide ban on fossil fuels will inevitably result in an economic boom.
Reasoning: Economic growth requires technological innovation, and a fossil fuel ban would certainly trigger many such innovations.
Analysis: The author has confused a necessary condition for a sufficient one. While technological innovation is required for growth (Growth -> Innovation), the presence of innovation does not guarantee that growth will occur. There might be many other factors, such as the cost of the ban itself, that could lead to a depression despite the new inventions. Look for an answer that points out that meeting a requirement for a result is not the same as guaranteeing that result.
Conclusion: A worldwide ban on fossil fuels will inevitably result in an economic boom.
Reasoning: Economic growth requires technological innovation, and a fossil fuel ban would certainly trigger many such innovations.
Analysis: The author has confused a necessary condition for a sufficient one. While technological innovation is required for growth (Growth -> Innovation), the presence of innovation does not guarantee that growth will occur. There might be many other factors, such as the cost of the ban itself, that could lead to a depression despite the new inventions. Look for an answer that points out that meeting a requirement for a result is not the same as guaranteeing that result.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage25.Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the argument's reasoning?
Correct Answer
D
The argument treats a prerequisite for growth (adopted technological innovations) as if its presence were sufficient to ensure growth. That is the classic necessary-vs.-sufficient error underpinning the move from “innovations are required for growth” to “innovations guarantee a boom.”
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