Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Weakening Questions
Jane's love of Italian food is surpassed only by her love of operas. Jane and John's third anniversary is next week. John has made dinner reservations for Grande Restorante, as well as bought tickets for the best seats in the Opera House for La Traviata. John contends that Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary is guaranteed.
Which of the following, if true, undermines John's conclusion the most?
Very good!
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens John's conclusion by providing a contradicting example in which even when the conditions of opera and Italian food were met, Jane's satisfaction was not guaranteed.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens John's conclusion. We cannot assume that the high costs of the anniversary will lessen or heighten Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary. Her satisfaction may be subject to many other factors.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice could be seen as neither weakening nor strengthening John's conclusion as its influence upon Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary is unclear. There is no logical basis to assume that seeing her second favorite opera will lessen Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary. Perhaps she'd be satisfied because La Traviata is pretty high on her list of favorite operas, in which case John's conclusion will be strengthened. Or, perhaps she'd be disappointed because she would have preferred to see Carmen.
There is an answer choice which weakens John's conclusion more clearly. Look for it!
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice could not be seen as weakening John's conclusion as its influence upon Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary is unclear. There is no logical basis to assume that seeing La Traviata for the first time will lessen Jane's satisfaction with the anniversary.
This answer choice could actually be seen as strengthening John's conclusion. Since Jane loves operas, it is not unreasonable to assume that she'll be happy to see one that she's never seen.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens John's conclusion. Since the restaurant he's taking Jane to is the best in town, it increases the likelihood of satisfaction on Jane's part. Remeber, we're supposed to be looking for a statement that weakens John's conclusion that Jane will definitely enjoy the anniversary celebration.
La Traviata is Jane's second favorite opera after Carmen.
Jane has never seen La Traviata.
