Official Explanation

Argument Evaluation

This question asks us to identify which of the objections listed among the answer choices the argument is most vulnerable to.

The argument's conclusion is that the opinion, expressed by some theorists and critics, that no aesthetic evaluation of a work of art is sound if it is based even in part on data about the cultural background of the artist, is false.

The only reason given for this conclusion is essentially a reiteration of the conclusion: that the cultural background is in fact vital to aesthetic evaluation of the artist. Given that the only reason given against the theorists' and critics' opinion is an opposite opinion, the argument is circular.

Therefore, the answer to this question must identify this: that is, that the argument presupposes the truth of the conclusion for which it claims to provide evidence.

A. Correct. As indicated above, the argument is vulnerable to this criticism.

B. The argument does not cite evidence that undermines rather than supports the conclusion. In fact, the argument's “evidence” for its conclusion is simply a reiteration of the conclusion itself.

C. The argument does not equivocate on any key terms.

D. The argument does not assume that the production of an effect means that one intended to produce that effect.

E. The argument does not assume that facts will resolve evaluative disputes.

The correct answer is A.