Each of the smallest particles in the universe has an elegantly simple structure. Since these particles compose the u...

Victoria on May 14, 2019

Hello @claire_crites,

This passage concludes that, because each of the smallest particles in the universe has an elegantly simple structure and the universe is composed of these particles, the universe must also have an elegantly simple structure. The general flaw in the passage's reasoning is that it assumes that because X is composed of Y, then X must also have the same defining characteristics as Y.

As this is a bizarro flawed parallel reasoning question, we are looking for the answer choice that does not exhibit the same flawed pattern of reasoning as the passage.

C is incorrect because it exhibits the same flawed pattern of reasoning as the passage. There is no reason to suggest that the wall is rectangular based on the fact that each brick in the wall is rectangular, but the answer choice assumes that, as the wall is composed of bricks, then the wall must have the same defining characteristics as the individual bricks.

D is incorrect because it exhibits the same flawed pattern of reasoning as the passage. There is no reason to suggest that the chair is sturdy because each piece of wood in the chair is sturdy. This answer choice assumes that, as each piece of the chair is sturdy, then the chair as a whole must also be sturdy; however, the pieces may have been put together in a way that compromises the overall structural integrity of the chair, despite the fact that each piece is sturdy individually.

E is incorrect because it exhibits the same flawed pattern of reasoning as the question. While each sentence may be well-constructed, this answer choice assumes that the novel is well-constructed because each of the sentences is individually well-constructed; however, the sentences may have been joined in a way that negatively impacts the quality of the novel as a whole.

B is the correct answer because its reasoning is not flawed. If each part of the desk is made of metal, then the desk as a whole is also made of metal.

Hope this is helpful! Please let us know if you have any further questions.