Argument Evaluation (Weaken): Consider the claim: “All employees who use the gymnasium facilities are fit.” Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the claim?
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AAll those employees who undergo a dieting program are fit
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BNot all those employees who undergo a dieting program are fit
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CNot all those employees who use gymnasium facilities are fit
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DAll of those employees who use gymnasium facilities are fit
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ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: Not all those employees who use gymnasium facilities are fit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:To weaken “All gym users are fit,” we need a counterexample or a statement that shows exceptions among gym users.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The target is a universal claim (for all gym users).
- One clear exception is sufficient to refute universality.
Concept / Approach:Universal statements are weakened by showing “not all” or “some … not.”
Step-by-Step Solution:Option C states “Not all gym users are fit,” which directly contradicts the universal claim and thus most weakens it.Option A or B discusses a dieting program—irrelevant to gym usage.Option D restates the original claim and thus does not weaken it.
Verification / Alternative check:A single counterexample logically refutes a universal.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Irrelevance (A, B); restatement (D).
Common Pitfalls:Confusing a different cohort (dieters) with the target cohort (gym users).
Final Answer:Not all those employees who use gymnasium facilities are fit