A GMAT Type CR

[mchakrain]

Some statisticians claim that the surest way to increase the overall correctness of the total set of one’s beliefs is: never change that set, except by rejecting a belief when given adequate evidence against it. However, if this were the only rule one followed, then whenever one were presented with any kind of evidence, one would have to either reject some of one’s beliefs or else leave one’s beliefs unchanged. But then, over time, one could only have fewer and fewer beliefs. Since we need many beliefs in order to survive, the statisticians’ claim must be mistaken.
The argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it
(A) presumes, without providing any justification, that the surest way of increasing the overall correctness of the total set of one’s beliefs must not hinder one’s ability to survive
(B) neglects the possibility that even while following the statisticians’ rule, one might also accept new beliefs when presented with some kinds of evidence
(C) overlooks the possibility that some large sets of beliefs are more correct overall than are some small sets of beliefs
(D) takes for granted that one should accept some beliefs related to survival even when given adequate evidence against them
(E) takes for granted that the beliefs we need in order to have many beliefs must all be correct beliefs

[karmaholic]

Answer : B.

[sravna]

A because it refutes the claim " the surest way to increase the correctness of one's beliefs " by saying it must not hinder with survival and there is no justification for it.

[karmaholic]

A because it refutes the claim " the surest way to increase the correctness of one's beliefs " by saying it must not hinder with survival and there is no justification for it.

I cant figure out how A can be used to bring out the flaw. Can you elaborate sravna?

For me B hurts the author's conclusion. He does not take into consideration that new beliefs could be accepted. He just talks about the number of beilefs diminishing or remaining unchanged. As if this wasnt enough, he goes on and says "over time, one would have fewer beliefs".

Do correct me. Waiting for a discussion..

[mchakrain]

B to me seems to be out of scope.The author is not interested in acceptance of ideas.He talks of rejection of beliefs only.A typical ploy by test setter to trap us into a wrong choice.But still I will be interested to know sravna's explanation behind choice A.

[sravna]

Hi Guys,

The statistians claim that the surest way to increase the correctness of one's
belief is "never" change it "except by rejecting" wrong ones. The reason the author gives for refuting the claim is "we need many beliefs to survive" but he doesn't give any justification for it.

B is wrong because it violates the statisticians claim that the set of beliefs should not be altered except by rejecting wrong ones. Thus new beliefs cannot be added even if there is evidence for it.

[Vaithy]

I am confused between A and B and finally have chosen B, eventhough it seems to be bit out of scope. It looks out of scope becoz, even the Statician's doesn't advise the inclusion of new beliefs. They want to retain the current set of beliefs or reduce it if sufficient evidence is available.

On the other hand, I think the passage relates "the surest way......and how the no. of beliefs helps for survival in the passage"...So I am opting for B leaving out A...

Let's wait what others say..

[mchakrain]

Shall I give the Official Answer ?

[karmaholic]

Shall I give the OA (A GMAT Type CR) ?

I suggest that you wait for a while. Let people come in and express their views. It's always good to have a discussion!

[stut03]

I am also in favour of B.
The major assumption the author made is that as more and more beliefs get refined with corrective evidence "over time, one could only have fewer and fewer beliefs". B contradicts it. I'm also interested to know Official Answer.