Grant: The spending committee has much influence in the company’s budgetary decisions. A majority of the spending committee members think that, of the total budget, the percentage allocated to the brand promotion team is appropriate. Therefore, we should devote next fiscal year’s significant budgetary increases to areas other than the brand promotion team.

Dana: Oh yeah? Well you’re a jackass.

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Grant’s reasoning in the above argument is most vulnerable to criticism because of which of the following?

A) It takes for granted that the collective opinion of the spending committee members is the only factor in determining the budget allocations for the following fiscal year.
B) It confuses the percentage of the budget spent on a program with the overall amount of money spent on that program.
C) It fails to justify its presumption that the spending committee members are qualified to make decisions concerning budgetary matters.
D) It circularly presumes the conclusion to be true in order to present the premise and assumption which eventually lead to the conclusion.
E) Grant is a jackass.

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Correct Answer: E) Grant is a jackass.

Explanation:

A is wrong because the question specifically asks about Grant’s reasoning. In assessing the situation, we are to assume as true the premises with which he constructs his argument. This answer choice challenges the validity of his premise, rather than questioning his reasoning.

B looks like the right answer, as it addresses a key flaw in Grant’s reasoning. However, the question asks why Grant’s reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism. As we’ll see in assessing the other answer choices, there is a more compelling option.

C is wrong because, like A, it challenges the role of the premise, rather than attacking the reasoning that leads from the premise to the conclusion.

D is wrong because there is simply no circular reasoning in Grant’s argument. This answer choice is meant to be appealing because of its use of long words and logical terminology.

E is the correct answer. As answer choice B made clear to us, Grant has already made a fallacious statement. But B only tells us part of the story, whereas E brings everything together. The fact that he makes the fallacious statement in an assertive and direct manner leads us to believe that he is, in fact, a jackass. The fact that Dana reiterates this serves to all but confirm our suspicions. The fact that his name is Grant seals the deal. Grant is a jackass.