Question

Ciara distrusts modern medicine. She says that the drugs prescribed by doctors are just synthetic poisons that they dispense to make money. She uses only herbs and essential oils to treat her health problems, declaring that they are much safer than prescription drugs because they come directly from nature. Which of the following, if true, most weakens Ciara's argument?

• A. Some doctors dispense drugs for free to needy patients.
• B. Some common drugs are derived from plants and other natural substances.
• C. Some herbs and natural substances are quite harmful if ingested.
• D. Sometimes the herbal remedies Ciara takes do not relieve her symptoms.
• E. Herbal supplements and oils are often quite expensive.

Hint:

When evaluating an argument, look for evidence that contradicts the central claim, such as the safety of natural remedies in this case.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
Ciara claims that herbs and natural oils are safer than prescription drugs because they come directly from nature. The argument relies on the idea that natural substances are inherently safer.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Some doctors dispense drugs for free to needy patients: Incorrect. This does not address the safety of herbs vs. prescription drugs, and does not weaken Ciara's argument.
- (B) Some common drugs are derived from plants and other natural substances: Incorrect. This doesn't directly weaken Ciara's argument, as it doesn't address the safety of synthetic drugs vs. natural remedies.
- (C) Some herbs and natural substances are quite harmful if ingested: Correct. This directly weakens Ciara's argument, as it shows that natural substances can also be harmful, challenging her belief that they are safer than prescription drugs.
- (D) Sometimes the herbal remedies Ciara takes do not relieve her symptoms: Incorrect. While this may point out the ineffectiveness of her remedies, it does not weaken the claim that herbs are safer.
- (E) Herbal supplements and oils are often quite expensive: Incorrect. This option does not address the safety of herbs compared to synthetic drugs.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Some herbs and natural substances are quite harmful if ingested.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(C) \, \text{Some herbs and natural substances are quite harmful if ingested.}} \]