Computer unauthorized access as damaging as Reckless driving

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Yolanda: Gaining access to computers without
authorization and manipulating the data and
programs they contain is comparable to joyriding
in stolen cars; both involve breaking into private
property and treating it recklessly. Joyriding,
however, is the more dangerous crime because it
physically endangers people, whereas only
intellectual property is harmed in the case of
computer crimes.

Arjun: I disagree! For example, unauthorized use of
medical records systems in hospitals could
damage data systems on which human lives
depend, and therefore computer crimes also
cause physical harm to people.


The reasoning in Arjun's response is flawed because he
(A) fails to maintain a distinction made in Yolanda's
argument
(B) denies Yolanda's conclusion without providing
evidence against it
(C) relies on the actuality of a phenomenon that he
has only shown to be possible
(D) mistakes something that leads to his conclusion
for something that is necessary for his
conclusion
(E) uses as evidence a phenomenon that is
inconsistent with his own conclusion

Caught between C and D.
I go with D since he uses the example as something necessary to get to his conclusion (which is to disagree).
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

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by albatross86 » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:02 am
Arjun is disagreeing that only IP is harmed in the case of computer crimes by suggesting that in cases like unauthorized use of medical records, people can also be harmed by damaged data systems on which human lives depend.
His conclusion is that computer crimes also cause physical harm to people.

SPOT THE FLAW:


A. The distinction between joyriding and computer crimes doesn't need to be repeated here. The main point is computer crimes - joyriding was only an analogous example.

B. He does provide evidence.

C. Interesting. What makes Arjun's example weak is that it is a hypothetical one - he says it "could" happen. Thus it relies on this actually happening in order to conclude that computer crimes actually CAUSE harm rather than have the POTENTIAL to cause harm. This is the flaw.

D. This is incorrect and meant to be a confusing distraction. What does it really mean? His example is meant to lead to his conclusion, and it is evident he perceived it as such. Does he perceive it to be NECESSARY for his conclusion - no.

E. It is consistent to an extent, this is too extreme.

Pick C.
~Abhay

Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. -- Andre Gide

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by gmatrant » Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:06 am
thanks All. OA is C.