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?

Difficulty: Easy

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

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