Critical Reasoning

The more today's archaeologists learn about ancient Zoroastrian civilization, the more they understand its contributions to modern world religions. As religious scrolls found in their temples record, they were one of the earliest religions to have an organized system of law, and some scholars argue that their dualist beliefs (a belief in two gods) provided the transition between the widespread polytheism of the time and the subsequent spread of monotheism. Clearly, most Zoroastrians were remarkably capable of engaging with deep religious questions.

The argument's reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism on the ground that the argument:

(A) Generalizes based on a sample that is unlikely to be representative.
(B) Privileges one type of religious system over another without justification.
(C) Ignores the remarkable theological accomplishments of other ancient civilizations.
(D) Fails to properly characterize "deep religious questions."
(E) Oversimplifies the historical relationship between monotheism and polytheism.

Source: Grockit

Please discuss your reasoning for each option so that other members can be benefited.

[spoiler]OA: A[/spoiler]

IMO D

Even I would go D

what is the OA?

The more today's archaeologists learn about ancient Zoroastrian civilization, the more they understand its contributions to modern world religions. As religious scrolls found in their temples record, they were one of the earliest religions to have an organized system of law, and some scholars argue that their dualist beliefs (a belief in two gods) provided the transition between the widespread polytheism of the time and the subsequent spread of monotheism. Clearly, most Zoroastrians were remarkably capable of engaging with deep religious questions.

The argument's reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism on the ground that the argument:

(A) Generalizes based on a sample that is unlikely to be representative.

Clearly most Z is a huge generalization. may have been a few select leaders.

(B) Privileges one type of religious system over another without justification.
no privileges given

(C) Ignores the remarkable theological accomplishments of other ancient civilizations.
not talking about other civilizations

(D) Fails to properly characterize "deep religious questions."
gives example mono vs polytheism

(E) Oversimplifies the historical relationship between monotheism and polytheism.

no oversimplification, talks about transition from poly to mono and dualist as a bridge ; does not address main conclusion , Clearly, most Zoroastrians were remarkably capable of engaging with deep religious questions

Explanation from Grockit:

A) Correct answer. Evidence from Temple scrolls provides evidence from the sample of Temple scholars, but these are not likely to be representative of the people as a whole.
B) No value-laden comparison between religious systems is given here, just a description.
C) Although it's true that this argument looks only at Zoroastrian civilization, not other civilizations, this is not its flaw. We are looking for a flaw within the given argument, which is made about Zoroastrians themselves, without needing to compare them to other civilizations.
D) It's true that the argument doesn't specify what it means by this term, but it also seems clear from context that a civilization that innovates religiously must be engaging with deep religious questions in some fashion, in at least some corner of that civilization. This answer choice, though perhaps true, doesn't indicate a problem with the argument.
E) We don't have enough information to know whether or not this answer choice is true, but what we do know is that, even if true, it would not affect the conclusion, which relates to the Zoroastrians specifically and their ability to engage with religious questions.

Congratulations J N for getting the correct answer and for writing some explanation!