Mainstream economic theory holds that manufacturers, in deciding what kinds of products to manufacture and what form ...
BrianaSudakovMarch 23, 2020
Why is the answer A?
Hi, I looked through the previous discussions, but I still do not understand why the correct answer is A. I selected D and I understand that answer is incorrect, but I cannot figure out why A is the correct answer.
Thank you in advance.
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For any argument structure question, and most other question types, the key is to first identify the argument's conclusion.
Conclusion: "Mainstream economic theorists advance this theory for some reason other than concern for scientific truth."
What is this argument based on? 1. Manufacturers do not simply respond to consumer demand. 2. Anyone who watches television knows this. 3. Mainstream theorists watch television.
According to these premises, the theorists should know that mainstream theory is inaccurate. Yet, they advance it anyway. So, the author concludes that the truth is not their priority.
So, what role does the sentence in question play? It is one of those three premises that I listed above. Each of these serves the same purpose. They are claims on which the conclusion is based. When combined, they demonstrate that the theorists know the truth, but refuse to admit it.
My guess is that you misidentified the conclusion when you chose D. You would be correct that the given sentence is an objection to mainstream economic theory. However, the author is clearly against mainstream economic theory. Remember that the conclusion is from the author's perspective. Ask yourself what the author is trying to say, not what the mainstream theorists say.
