The charge made against alternative medicine in the stimulus is "one of the reasons alternative medicine is free of such side effects is that it does not have any effects at all." We are asked to weaken this charge.
(A) is incorrect because it does not weaken the charge made against alternative medicine. It merely strengthens the claims made against orthodox medicine.
(B) is incorrect because it does not weaken the claim that alternative medicine has no effects at all. It merely highlights a difference between these two types of medicine. To weaken the charge made in the argument against alternative medicine, we must address the claim that alternative medicine does not have any effects at all, either directly or indirectly.
(C) is incorrect because even though this answer choice highlights alternative medicine over orthodox medicine, it still does nothing to the claim that alternative medicine does not have any effects.
(D) is CORRECT because it explains that although there may not be any direct effects from alternative medicine, a patient's belief in medical treatment can release the body's own chemical painkillers, diminish allergic reactions and promote healing. Therefore, if a patient believes in alternative medicine, this belief can still translate to effects, which seriously weakens the claim that alternative medicine does not have any effects at all.
(E) is incorrect because it does nothing to weaken the claim made against alternative medicine but rather just points out another issue with orthodox medicine.
Hope that helped. Let me know if you have any more questions!
BatmanNovember 14, 2013
I realize I need to tackle the point on the stimulus, rather stick with my common knowledge again!!! Thanks, always
halleraeMarch 2, 2018
Couldn't "medical treatment" be interpreted as orthodox medicine or alternative medicine though? It could play into either argument.
AlexFebruary 24, 2020
Good point but in Answer Choice D it points out alternative medicine as the medical treatment it is addressing.
RaviMarch 19, 2020
@Batman, you're welcome!
@hallerae and @Alex, Alex is correct in their analysis of (D). (D) is showing that there is an effect, even if it's not a direct result of the alternative medicine. Thus, it weakens the argument.
All of you are doing great. Let us know if you have any other questions!
