Question

The untimely death of Professor Hathaway halted his groundbreaking research into the uses of solar power. It therefore appears that Hathaway’s research will not result in practical applications. Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications.
B. Not all professors at Professor Hathaway’s university knew that he was conducting research into the uses of solar power.
C. Officials at Professor Hathaway’s university have refused requests to make Professor Hathaway’s research public.
D. Researchers at other universities are conducting research into the potential applications of solar power.

Answer 1

Option A, which indicates that other scientists can use Professor Hathaway's research for practical applications, most seriously weakens the argument that his research will not result in practical applications due to his untimely death.

Step-by-step explanation:

The argument suggests that Professor Hathaway’s research will not result in practical applications due to his death. To weaken this argument, we would look for information indicating that his work could still have a future impact despite his demise. Among the given options, A. Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications most directly weakens the original argument. This is because it suggests that even though Professor Hathaway has passed away, his research may be valuable and instrumental for other scientists to continue and potentially reach practical applications. This scenario is akin to historical examples where scientists have built upon previous research to make significant advancements. In contrast, options B, C, and D do not directly address the potential for Hathaway's research to be used in future applications.

Answer 2

The option that weakens the argument is that "Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications". Therefore option C is the most correct option.

Explanation: Every since research has a method and every method has a step of application. Because Professor Hathaway research is a scientific research, Hathaway should be using a Scientific method in the research work, which can be traceable by other scientist to continue the research work.

Professor Hathaway's research work may not be easy for a scientist, that has not been working together with him in the research work. But it doesn't mean that the research has ended due to his untimely death. If a proper study is given to the research previously made by the professor, the results of the previous work would tell the next step of his work, which can be continued by any scientist that is disciplined in the area of his research.

The argument will not stand because, they exist many other professors in his area of discipline that can continue the research from where he stopped, and give the work a practical approach.