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 evaluation1) Argument I: Posits a systemic role consistent with market economies ⇒ strong.2) Argument II: Ignores informational and competitive benefits; blanket 'waste' claim ⇒ weak.

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

Common pitfallsEquating instances of excess with the uselessness of the entire activity.

Final AnswerOnly argument I is strong.