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Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) Many more people who currently walk to the library live in central Redville than in central Glenwood. (B) The number of people living in central Glenwood who would use the library if it were located there is smaller than the number of people living in central Redville who currently use the library. (C) The number of people using the public library would continue to increase steadily if the library were moved to Glenwood. (D) Most of the people who currently either drive to the library or take public transportation to reach it would continue to do so if the library were moved to central Glenwood. (E) Most of the people who currently walk to the library would remain library users if the library were relocated to central Glenwood.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(B) weakens the argument by showing the relocation results in fewer users.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Argument

The argument implies that the library's relocation to central Glenwood would lead to more users or an increase in library attendance. It assumes that individuals who walk would have the same habit if the library were closer to them, specifically in Glenwood.
02

Identifying the Core Assumption

The core assumption here is that a move to central Glenwood would increase or at least maintain the current number of library users. The argument assumes that current library users from Redville and potential users from Glenwood would continue or start using the library if it is relocated.
03

Finding the Weakeners

To weaken the argument, we need to identify information that suggests relocating to Glenwood does not improve or sustain library attendance. An option that indicates a decrease in the number of library users, either because of fewer Glenwood residents using it or Redville users stopping their visits, would weaken the argument.
04

Analyzing Option (B)

Option (B) states that moving the library to Glenwood would result in fewer users from Glenwood compared to the current users from Redville. This directly weakens the argument by suggesting that the relocation would lead to fewer overall users, contradicting the claim that the library would serve more people if moved.
05

Evaluating Other Options

Option (A) does not directly address the number of users; it provides information about current walker distribution. Option (C) supports the argument by predicting an increase in users. Option (D) suggests that most current non-walking users would remain users, which doesn't weaken the argument. Option (E) implies that current walkers would still use the library, suggesting continuity rather than decline.
06

Conclusion

Given the analyses, option (B) is the one that most seriously weakens the argument by showing that relocation results in fewer users.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Argument Weakening
In logical reasoning questions on the LSAT, the task often involves evaluating the strength of an argument. "Argument weakening" focuses on undermining the credibility of the reasoning presented. When you attempt to weaken an argument, you're looking to challenge the assumptions that the argument relies on.

To identify a weakening argument, consider these strategies:
  • Find the unstated assumption and show it's not applicable.
  • Present a scenario where the conclusion does not hold true.
  • Provide evidence that contradicts the premises or the inferred outcome.
These elements help you point out flaws or alternative perspectives that reduce the argument's impact. For instance, in the library relocation context, analyzing and evaluating information that shows a decrease or lack of increase in attendance due to the move can effectively weaken the relocation proposal.
Core Assumption
The core assumption in reasoning exercises is the underlying belief or statement necessary for the argument to hold. This is what the conclusion of the argument rests upon implicitly. Identifying these hidden assumptions helps in both strengthening and weakening arguments, as they usually contain a potential vulnerability.

In the context of the library relocation, the central assumption is about maintaining or increasing user numbers after the move. The argument assumes that people using the library in Redville will continue to do so, either by traveling to Glenwood or by being replaced by Glenwood residents. If this assumption is not valid, the conclusion that relocation benefits outreach and accessibility falls apart.

To scrutinize arguments effectively, challenge whether these assumptions realistically apply to the circumstances or context, and contemplate whether alternative outcomes are plausible.
Library Relocation Impact
When examining the impact of moving a library, multiple factors come into play, including current user habits, population distribution, and accessibility. The argument for relocating suggests a positive effect on library usage, assuming that the new location in Glenwood would attract more users than before.

Analyzing this impact involves questioning practical aspects:
  • Evaluate the demographic data of current users versus potential users.
  • Consider how relocation affects accessibility for different transport modes.
  • Identify whether the assumptions about user behavior remain realistic post-move.
For example, if more people use the library while it sits in Redville, losing a significant portion of these users due to relocation could result in a net decrease in user numbers. Therefore, understanding who benefits from the move and who might be disadvantaged is essential. Ultimately, questioning the effects of relocation allows you to identify whether the changes truly support the argument's end goal.

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