Methods of Reasoning Questions - - Question 10

Rotelle:  You are too old to address effectively the difficult issues facing the country, such as nuclear power, pove...

ShannonOh22 August 8, 2019

Answer choice D

Could we not argue that Sim's response to Rotelle is indeed showing Rotelle contradicts himself by implying that Sims is "too old" to address the important issues", yet Rotelle is young and "inexperienced", so his claim about age as it pertains to ability is contradictory?

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Ravi August 8, 2019

@ShannonOh22,

We could not argue that. In order for Rotelle's statement to be
contradictory, Rotelle would himself have to be old since he's calling
out Sims for being old. However, Rotelle is young, so how is his
statement contradictory if he's criticizing Sims' old age?

Rotelle attacks Sims' age and Sims states that he does not want to
make age an issue while adding a quick jab about Rotelle's youth and
inexperience. However, Sims, despite attempting to look like he's
taking the high road, fails to address Rotelles' point about Sims' old
age.

Since Sims is failing to respond to Rotelle's claim, (E) is the
correct answer choice.

Does this answer your question? Let us know if you'd like further clarification!

ShannonOh22 August 8, 2019

Hi Ravi,

I understand E is the correct choice, but my question regarding contradictory statements is due to the fact that Rotelle indicates AGE as a factor in ABILITY (or lack thereof) to address important issues, while his AGE is also apparently an issue...the fact that he is young and Sim's is old is irrelevant - it's the inclusion of age as a factor in general that I was referring to when I asked for clarification on whether or not Ratelle is contradicting himself...

Ravi August 8, 2019

@ShannonOh22,

The thing is, Rotelle is not just talking about age, he's talking
about old age. Rotelle's statement can't be contradictory because he's
criticizing Sims' old age. It doesn't matter whether or not Rotelle is
young and inexperienced, because for all we know, Rotelle might think
being young and inexperienced doesn't matter and doesn't hinder one's
ability to do the job, but being really old does. Thus, Rotelle isn't
contradicting himself, and Sims is not pointing out a contradiction.

Let us know if you have any other questions!