The short–term and long–term interests of a business often conflict; when they do, the morally preferable act is usua...

SamA on November 7, 2019

Hey @Meredith,

"Which of the following, if assumed, enables the conclusion of the argument to be properly drawn?" When we are given this question stem, we know that, as it stands, the conclusion cannot be properly drawn. There is something missing. Let's examine how the argument fits together.

Premise: Short-term and long-term interests often conflict.

Premise: The morally preferable act is usually the one that serves the long-term interest.

Conclusion: Businesses often have compelling reasons to execute the morally preferable act (the long-term interests).

What are we missing here? I know nothing about compelling reasons. We need something that connects compelling reasons to the morally preferable act. This will likely involve the long-term interest.

One problem with D is that it gives us nothing about compelling reasons, which is a critical part of the conclusion. We already know that short-term and long-term interests often conflict. However, does the argument require that they "usually conflict?" No it does not.

B gives us the connection that we need. If the long-term interests often provide compelling reasons, then we can conclude that the morally preferable act often has compelling reasons.