PT154 S4 Q21 ExplanationEnginerr: Air bags in automobiles

Answer choices, explained

1. A

   Correct58% picked this

   It fails to address adequately the possibility that the likelihood of a system’s failing need not increase with the number of ways

   Why this is right

   Does it weaken the argument to say, "Hey, author, it's possible that the number of ways in which a system can fail increases, but the likelihood of the system failing does not increase"? Yes! That's basically saying, "Hey, author, your conclusion need not follow from your evidence".

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

   58%
2. B

   Too Strong22% picked this

   It takes for granted that any failure in an air bag’s computer control system will cause that air

   The author doesn't need to assume that every single failure in a control system will cause the air bag to accidentally inflate. If there is at least one component in an air bag's computer control system that doesn't trigger the air bag to inflate when it fails, that wouldn't hurt the author's argument at all.

   22%
3. C

   Not an Objection5% picked this

   It fails to address adequately the possibility that air bags may often accidentally inflate even when their computer

   Does it weaken the author's argument to say, "Hey, author, even if there were no computer control systems at all, there would still sometimes be accidental inflations." No, because that would only weaken someone who had promised that "if we do X, there will be no more accidental inflations". Our author said, "if we do X (use this more complex system), we're increasing the risk of additional inflations".

   5%
4. D

   Even If [Conclusion is True]12% picked this

   It overlooks the possibility that, even if the new computer control systems exacerbate the problems with accidental air bag inflation, they may

   This form of answer choice is always wrong, since you can't hurt an argument by saying, "Even if your Conclusion is right, ______ ." The whole point of an argument is only that the Conclusion is true/correct/right. Once we establish that, the author won the case. If you're defending a client against murder, and you say "even if eddie did commit murder, there are a lot of good things he's done too", you will not be doing anything to help acquit him of murder. This answer choice would weaken an argument that said, "With its more complex design, the new computer control system will increase the risk of accidental air bag inflation. Thus, we should not implement the new design."

   12%
5. E

   Bad Conclusion Match3% picked this

   It overlooks the possibility that, even if air bags occasionally cause accidental injuries, they may nonetheless be responsible for preventing many

   This is arguing against an author who concluded that we should get rid of air bags. It's objecting to an argument that would sound like this, "The accidental inflation of air bags is responsible for many injuries each year. Thus, it is time for us to get rid of air bags in cars." or "Thus, air bags increase the likelihood of being injured in a car"

   3%