Logical Reasoning

PT4 · S1 · Q18 The question whether intelligent life

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The question whether intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is certainly imprecise, because we are not sure how different from us something might be and still count as “intelligent life.” Yet we cannot just decide to define “intelligent life” in some more precise way since it is likely that we will find and recognize intelligent life elsewhere in the universe only if we leave our definitions open to new, unimagined possibilities.

Your task

Describe how the argument proceeds — the technique it uses to reach its conclusion.

Common trap

Answers that describe a method the argument doesn't actually use.

Winning move

Track the role each statement plays, then match that to the choice describing the same moves.

18.

The passage, if seen as an objection to an antecedent claim, challenges that claim by

  1. Showing the claim to be

    Trap

    1% picked this

  2. Citing examples that fail to

    Trap

    2% picked this

  3. Claiming that “intelligent life” cannot

    Trap

    37% picked this

  4. Correct

    Arguing that the claim, if

    Why this is right

    Answer D is correct.

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

    58% picked this

  5. Maintaining that the claim is

    Trap

    1% picked this

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