Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Since things like gold and feathers were jewelry before they were cash, it makes sense that beads followed that same pattern.

Conclusion: It is logical and expected that beads, which were first used for decoration, eventually became a form of currency.

Reasoning: Historically, many other items used as money—such as gold, silver, and feathers—were also used primarily for decoration before they were used as currency.

Analysis: The argument relies on an analogy: because X, Y, and Z followed a certain path, it is 'natural' for A to follow that same path. To justify this, we need a principle that turns this historical observation into a general rule. Look for a principle that connects 'initial decorative use' to 'suitability for currency.' The best answer will likely state that being valued for adornment is a sufficient condition or a standard precursor for an object to function as money, thereby bridging the gap between the examples and the conclusion about beads.

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17.

Which one of the following principles, if valid, would most help to justify the argument above?

Correct Answer
C
C directly states the needed bridge: objects with the same original use are likely to share the same derivative use. Since many originally decorative objects later served as currency, it’s natural for beads (also originally decorative) to do the same.
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