Principle JustifyDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A space project is costing too much, but the astronomer argues we should finish it because we've already sunk more money into it than it would take to just get it done.
Conclusion: It would be a mistake to cancel the over-budget space telescope project now.
Reasoning: The amount already spent on the project is greater than the remaining cost to complete it, and canceling would result in that spent money being wasted.
Analysis: The astronomer is leaning heavily on a 'sunk cost' justification, which is usually a logical no-no, but our job is to find a principle that makes it valid. We need a rule that prioritizes the completion of a project based on the ratio of money already spent to money remaining. The ideal principle will state that if finishing a project costs less than what has already been invested, the project should be completed to avoid total waste. Look for an answer that bridges the gap between 'avoiding waste' and the 'decision to continue.'
Conclusion: It would be a mistake to cancel the over-budget space telescope project now.
Reasoning: The amount already spent on the project is greater than the remaining cost to complete it, and canceling would result in that spent money being wasted.
Analysis: The astronomer is leaning heavily on a 'sunk cost' justification, which is usually a logical no-no, but our job is to find a principle that makes it valid. We need a rule that prioritizes the completion of a project based on the ratio of money already spent to money remaining. The ideal principle will state that if finishing a project costs less than what has already been invested, the project should be completed to avoid total waste. Look for an answer that bridges the gap between 'avoiding waste' and the 'decision to continue.'
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage6.Which one of the following principles, if valid, would most help to justify the astronomer's argument?
Correct Answer
B
B is correct. It states exactly the needed bridge: if more than half of a project’s total cost has been spent, the project should be completed. Since the astronomer’s premise implies that condition (spent > remaining), this principle justifies the conclusion not to cancel.
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