Logical Reasoning

PT127 · S1 · Q2 Economist: Some sociologists argue that

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Economist: Some sociologists argue that because capitalism intrinsically involves competition, it weakens the ties between the people of a community.

Conclusion

Modern capitalism promotes communal ties.

Evidence

Modern capitalism requires that there by large corporations.

Evaluate

The first sentence isn't part of the argument (it's ascribed to some sociologists). Our author ends up disagreeing with this position. The "Although ..." part of the 2nd sentence is a concession to this opponent, so only the second half of the 2nd sentence is her premise.

Thus, we have very little to look at or think about here. The author makes a move from, Because capitalism requires corporations, we know capitalism promotes communal ties.

Goal

Look for an answer addressing the assumption that "corporations promote communal ties".

2.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the economist's argument depends?

  1. Few economic systems are more

    Too Strong: few are more successful

    The author never compares modern capitalism to other systems, so we can't assume this author thinks that modern capitalism is in the Top 3 systems for fostering communal ties. It should also concern us that this answer doesn't bring up "corporations", which was the only piece of evidence.

    1% picked this

  2. Modern capitalism is designed primarily

    Weakens

    This answer goes against what the author is arguing. She is saying that modern capitalism promotes communal ties and this says that modern capitalism is primarily designed not to create communal ties.

    1% picked this

  3. Corporations that compete with each

    Out of Scope

    Out of Scope: ties to each other Out of Scope: rules of competition Too Strong: must develop We need to hear that corporations help promote communal ties, not that corporations develop ties to each other.

    5% picked this

  4. Correct

    Having large corporations in a

    Why this is right

    This sounds like our prediction: corporations promote communal ties.

    Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    91% picked this

  5. An economic system that does

    Out of Scope: less successful

    We're only addressing whether or not having corporations promotes communal ties. It's out of scope whether capitalism ends up more / less successful as a result.

    1% picked this

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