Logical Reasoning

PT6 · S2 · Q2 Physiological research has uncovered disturbing

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Physiological research has uncovered disturbing evidence linking a number of structural disorders to jogging.

Conclusion

The human anatomy is not able to withstand the stresses of jogging.

Evidence

Research has shown a disturbing link between jogging and various structural disorders, such as spinal disk displacements, stress fractures, joint deterioration, and tendonitis. Both new and veteran joggers suffer these injuries at equal rates.

Evaluate

The author is suggesting that because both beginning and experienced joggers suffer injuries, jogging itself is inherently stressful to human anatomy. They are concluding that these injuries point towards jogging placing undue stress on human bodies.

A critical piece here is whether the link between jogging and these ailments is actually causal rather than just a correlation. The author's conclusion implies causality: jogging stresses the body in ways it can't handle.

To evaluate this conclusion, think about objections: how could we argue that the human anatomy can withstand jogging stresses? Maybe the purported link between jogging and injuries isn't causal. Perhaps factors other than the inherent stresses of jogging are at play (like specific techniques, footwear, or surfaces jogged on).

Goal

Look for an assumption stating or supporting that jogging is indeed causally linked to the injuries listed. Alternatively, find something that implies no additional factor explains the link between jogging and injuries, reinforcing that the mere act of jogging is responsible.

2.

Which one of the following is an assumption of the argument?

  1. Correct

    The link between jogging and

    Why this is right

    This is one of those weird correct answers where you might be like, "well, sure of course the author believes that. But that can't be the answer, can it?" Yes! If it's something we can tell the author was thinking, it'll be the answer. The conclusion that "human anatomy isn't up to the task of jogging" is implying that these human anatomy infirmities were caused by jogging.

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

    84% picked this

  2. Jogging causes more serious disorders

    Out of Scope

    Out of Scope: other sports Irrelevant Comprison: more serious disorders The argument was solely about jogging. Comparing its severity to other sports isn't necessary. The conclusion doesn't argue that jogging is the most dangerous; it claims only that human anatomy struggles to handle jogging.

    2% picked this

  3. The jogger’s level of experience

    Opposite

    This directly contradicts the evidence, which states both new and veteran joggers experience injuries at equal rates. It also doesn't address whether the stress is inherent or suggests alternative factors affecting injury risk.

    6% picked this

  4. Some sports are safer for

    Irrelevant Comparison

    The conclusion is solely about jogging's impact; it's not a comparative statement about other sports. Therefore, the author does not consider relative safety among different sports. If we negate this and say "NO sports are safer than jogging", that doesn't hurt the argument. The author can be like, "I agree -- the human anatomy isn't up to the task of any sport."

    4% picked this

  5. The human species is not

    Too Broad / Strong

    While the author questions whether our anatomy can handle jogging, it doesn't generalize to human durability in general. This choice is overly broad and not necessary to support the conclusion about jogging specifically.

    4% picked this

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