#14 - Science writer: Scientists often accept a scientific argument largely for social reasons, such

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

Flaw in the Reasoning. The correct answer choice is (B).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice.

Answer choice (C):

Answer choice (D):

Answer choice (E):

This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

[lsathelpppp]

Can someone explain why B is right and C is wrong?

[Chandler H]

Can someone explain why B is right and C is wrong?

Hi,

The science writer asserts that it's OK for scientists to accept an argument for social reasons, because those same social reasons influence arguments in other sectors.

Answer choice (C) is wrong because it tells us that scientists accept arguments for social reasons, but also consider relevant scientific evidence. This doesn't reveal a flaw in the argument, because the writer is arguing that accepting an argument for social reasons is OK, right? This answer choice backs up the writer's conclusion.

On the other hand, answer choice (B) identifies a real flaw in the stimulus: just because the behavior (letting social reasons influence arguments) is common in other fields doesn't mean it's OK in the scientific field (or any field, for that matter).

Does this make sense?