E45, S1, Q18 - There is evidence to suggest that our cave

[gregory.mortenson]

How does answer D weaken the argument? Just b/c flints were often used for things aside from hunting, I don't see how it discredits the argument that since some hunting flints were overly-polished our ancestors possessed an aesthetic sense.

I chose A, and although I don't think it is a GREAT answer, I thought it was better than D. What makes D better than A?

Thanks!

[aileenann]

How does answer D weaken the argument? Just b/c flints were often used for things aside from hunting, I don't see how it discredits the argument that since some hunting flints were overly-polished our ancestors possessed an aesthetic sense.

I chose A, and although I don't think it is a GREAT answer, I thought it was better than D. What makes D better than A?

Thanks!

Good question and a tough one!

(D) is a good answer choice because it gets to a concern about the logic of the argument. The argument contends that since the flints were polished more than necessary for starting a fire, that they were probably polished for aesthetic reasons. However, this assumes that the flints didn't need to be further polished for other chores besides hunting. (D) targets this assumption and makes it untrue, a very effective way to weaken an argument.

(A), on the other hand, does not fully refute the logic of the argument. (A) says only that many flints were not polished, but it does not get at the reason the flints were polished and therefore does not refute the argument's conclusion. That is, (A) could very well be true at the same time that everything in the original argument continues to hold. The author does not say that everyone or every flint had an aesthetic purpose, but it is enough for the author that at least a few flints were polished for aesthetic reasons.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.