Question

Which of the following will weaken the argument?

Answer 1

The main argument states that economic development is undertaken with the aim of improving the standard of living, and that this goal is rooted in social justice.
This implies two things: (i) development can be planned and implemented, and (ii) economic development is a valid tool to achieve social justice.
Let us now analyze each option:
Option 1: This supports the argument by reinforcing the idea that economic development is essential to raise living standards. Therefore, it strengthens the argument and cannot weaken it.
Option 2: This also supports the argument. If social justice implies economic prosperity, then using economic development as a means to achieve social justice is justified. Hence, it does not weaken but reinforces the argument.
Option 3: This weakens the argument directly. If development cannot be planned, the entire premise of “planned development” to raise living standards collapses. It undermines the feasibility of using economic development as a deliberate tool for achieving social justice. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option 4: Incorrect, because Option 3 does indeed weaken the argument.

Answer 2

The argument links economic development with the goal of social justice. It suggests that the reason for development is to improve the standard of living, thereby achieving social justice.
Statement I — This is clearly assumed. The entire argument hinges on the idea that social justice is the goal, and economic development is the chosen method to achieve it.
Statement II — Overpopulation is not mentioned or implied in the argument. While it might be a background issue, it is not a necessary assumption. The argument can stand without this premise.
Statement III — This is also an assumption. The author assumes that economic development will indeed lead to social justice; otherwise, there is no point in planning development as a means to achieve justice.
Therefore, the argument depends on I and III, but not on II.

Answer 3

The argument links economic development to the goal of social justice, through the raising of living standards.
Option 1 — This directly supports the argument. If social justice can be achieved by improving living standards, and economic development raises those standards, then economic development is rightly inspired by social justice. Hence, this strengthens the logical link.
Option 2 — This is related to the general idea of planning but does not strengthen the specific link between social justice and economic development.
Option 3 — Increasing production may help economic development, but it does not directly reinforce the connection to social justice, which is the core of the argument.
Option 4 — Incorrect, because Option 1 clearly strengthens the argument.