Crimes in which handguns are used are more likely than other crimes to result
in fatalities. However, the majority of crimes in which handguns are used do
not result in fatalities. Therefore, there is no need to enact laws that
address crimes involving handguns as distinct from other crimes.
The pattern of flawed reasoning displayed in the argument above most closely
resembles that in which one of the following?
(A) Overweight people are at higher risk of developing heart disease than
other people. However, more than half of all overweight people never develop
heart disease. Hence it is unnecessary for physicians to be more careful to
emphasize the danger of heart disease to their overweight patients than to
their other patients.
(B) Many people swim daily in order to stay physically fit. Yet people who
swim daily increase their risk of developing ear infections. Hence people who
want to remain in good health are better off not following fitness programs
that include swimming daily.
(C) Most physicians recommend a balanced diet for those who want to remain in
good health. Yet many people find that nontraditional dietary regimens such as
extended fasting do their health no serious harm. Therefore, there is no need
for everyone to avoid nontraditional dietary regimens.
(D) Foods rich in cholesterol and fat pose a serious health threat to most
people. However, many people are reluctant to give up eating foods that they
greatly enjoy. Therefore, people who refuse to give up rich foods need to
spend more time exercising than do other people.
(E) Many serious health problems are the result of dietary disorders. Yet
these disorders are often brought about by psychological factors. Hence people
suffering from serious health problems should undergo psychological
evaluation.