Question

Read the following excerpt from “The Laws of Nature and Humanity” in Biology for the Middle School: For 5th Grade Girls by Marie Harm and Hermann Wiehle.

These natural laws are incontrovertible; . . . Those who resist them will be wiped out. Biology not only tells us about animals and plants, but also shows us the laws we must follow in our lives, and steels our wills to live and fight according to these laws. The meaning of all life is struggle.

The excerpt above is an example of a false dilemma. Which of the following choices explains the logical fallacy in this excerpt, as well as the reason it fails to prove its point?

A.

The excerpt is an example of a testimonial not a false dilemma. It fails to persuade the audience to buy more animals and plants to ensure survival.
B.

The excerpt is an example of a false dilemma because it tries to say that humans survive because they behave differently than animals and plants. The argument does prove this point.
C.

The excerpt is an example of a false dilemma because it states that humans function exactly like animals and plants. By drawing this comparison, it fails to acknowledge the many factors that affect and alter the life course of animals, plants, and humans.
D.

The excerpt contains no logical fallacies but uses true statements to persuade the audience of life’s common struggle.

Answer 1

C. The excerpt is an example of a false dilemma because it states that humans function exactly like animals and plants. By drawing this comparison, it fails to acknowledge the many factors that affect and alter the life course of animals, plants, and humans.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt, the author tells us that natural laws indicate what humans are meant to do in the world. He tells us that these laws not only tell us how animals and plants work, but also how humans should lead their lives. Moreover, he tells us that these laws are incontrovertible. However, the author fails to take into account the fact that human lives are extremely complex, and that many factors can influence the course of their life.

Answer 2

Referring to this excerpt the right answer is D. The excerpt contains no logical fallacies but uses true statements to persuade the audience of life’s common struggle.