Question:

‘It took many centuries before the countries of Europe could resolve their internal problems of violence and corruption to become the stable nation-states they are. Therefore, it will take many centuries for India to achieve internal stability.’ Assuming that the factual claims in the argument above are true, what must be assumed in order for the conclusion to follow?

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To test assumptions, ask: "If this assumption is false, does the argument collapse?" Here, yes.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
  • Countries everywhere must follow the same paths towards stability.
  • India is gradually progressing towards internal stability.
  • India can learn how to achieve stability by studying Europe’s example.
  • India has no hope of achieving stability in the near future.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the argument structure Premise: Europe took centuries to stabilize.
Conclusion: India will also take centuries. For this to logically follow, there must be a hidden assumption that India will follow the same path as Europe. Step 2: Analyze the assumptions

(a) Correct. If all countries follow the same path, then India's timeline will mirror Europe’s.
(b) Gradual progress doesn’t imply centuries — it’s irrelevant.
(c) This contradicts the argument — if India can learn, it might not take centuries.
(d) This is a conclusion, not an assumption.

% Final Answer \[ \boxed{\text{Countries everywhere must follow the same paths towards stability.}} \]
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