Logical Reasoning

PT137 · S3 · Q7 Scientist: Any theory that is to be taken seriously

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Scientist: Any theory that is to be taken seriously must affect our perception of the world.

Conclusion

Just because a theory affects our perception of the world does not show that we should take it seriously.

Evidence (to see this)

Look at astrology. (apparently, the author thinks that astrology affects our perception of the world but shouldn't be taken seriously)

Evaluate

The first sentence gives us a conditional rule, signified by the sufficient indicator any.

taken seriously → affects our perception

The author then pivots by saying, even though [affects perception] is necessary, it's not sufficient. The author's actual words are:

If we thought that A was, in itself, enough to establish B, we'd be saying that A is sufficient to prove B.

So our author is saying, this condition of [affects our perception] is not sufficient to establish that [theory taken seriously]. To demonstrate this, he then cites the example of astrology, using Support Language:

To see X, one need only consider Y.

Goal

The point of mentioning astrology was to provide evidence that [affects our perception] is not in itself enough for [theory to be taken seriously].

If we're trying to prove that X does not guarantee Y then we want an example where X is true but Y isn't.

So, astrology was an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously.

7.

The point of the scientist's mentioning astrology in the argument is to present

  1. an example of a theory

    Opposite: does not affect perception

    This author presented astrology as an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously. This answer is saying it's a theory that doesn't affect our perception.

    4% picked this

  2. an example of something that

    Opposite: not a theory

    This author presented astrology as an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously. This answer is saying it's not a theory.

    1% picked this

  3. Correct

    an example of a theory

    Why this is right

    This author presented astrology as an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously. This answer is saying it's a theory that doesn't affect our perception.

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

    82% picked this

  4. an example of a theory

    Opposite: should be taken seriously

    This author presented astrology as an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously. This answer is saying it's a theory that should be taken seriously.

    6% picked this

  5. an example of a theory

    Double Opposite

    This author presented astrology as an example of a theory that affects our perception but shouldn't be taken seriously. This answer is saying it's a theory that doesn't affect our perception and should be taken seriously.

    7% picked this

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