Critical reasoning — heavy spending on advertisements: Should large expenditures on advertising be justified on the ground that it is an essential accompaniment of a capitalist economy, in contrast to the view that such spending only wastes resources?

Given data

• Statement: Should so much money be spent on advertisements?
• Argument I (Yes): Advertising is an essential concomitant in a capitalist economy (information, competition, brand signalling).
• Argument II (No): It leads to wastage of resources.

Concept/Approach (economic function vs. blanket dismissal)
Advertising plays roles in informing consumers, differentiating products, and stimulating competition; calling it mere 'waste' is an overgeneralisation.

Step-by-Step evaluation
1) Argument I: Posits a systemic role consistent with market economies ⇒ strong.2) Argument II: Ignores informational and competitive benefits; blanket 'waste' claim ⇒ weak.

Verification/Alternative
While some ads may be excessive, the institution of advertising as such fulfills economic functions.

Common pitfalls
Equating instances of excess with the uselessness of the entire activity.

Final Answer
Only argument I is strong.