Sufficient AssumptionDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Even though we have a duty to protect public health, a columnist argues against moving power lines because we should only spend money on health risks that are scientifically well-established.
Conclusion: We should refrain from moving high-tension power lines away from residential areas.
Reasoning: Public resources are limited and should be reserved exclusively for addressing health threats that have been clearly proven.
Analysis: The argument presents a specific rule: only spend resources on 'well-substantiated' threats. It then concludes we shouldn't spend resources on power lines. To make this logic airtight, there is a missing link regarding the status of power lines. We must assume that power lines do not currently qualify as a well-substantiated threat to public health. If they were proven hazards, the columnist's own rule would actually suggest we *should* move them.
Conclusion: We should refrain from moving high-tension power lines away from residential areas.
Reasoning: Public resources are limited and should be reserved exclusively for addressing health threats that have been clearly proven.
Analysis: The argument presents a specific rule: only spend resources on 'well-substantiated' threats. It then concludes we shouldn't spend resources on power lines. To make this logic airtight, there is a missing link regarding the status of power lines. We must assume that power lines do not currently qualify as a well-substantiated threat to public health. If they were proven hazards, the columnist's own rule would actually suggest we *should* move them.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage3.The conclusion of the columnist's argument can be properly drawn if which one of the following is assumed?
Correct Answer
D
If no investigation has established any health threat from high-tension power lines, then the threat is not well substantiated. Given the principle that we should devote resources only to well-substantiated threats, it follows that we should not reroute the lines.
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