Q3 - A mathematical problem that defied solution

[WaltGrace1983]

This is a necessary assumption question asking us what is necessary for Bart's argument. Bart says the following:

No one can fully comprehend the process by which the supercomputer derived the result
→
Result is unacceptable

My initial thought here is, "what is the deal with the jump between full comprehension and acceptability?" I am thinking that the author is assuming that IF a process is not fully comprehensible THEN it must be unacceptable.

(A) This just simply goes against the premise totally. The argument says that, "the process ... is so complex ... consequently, the result is unacceptable." From this word, "consequently," we know that the reason why the process is unacceptable is because it is complex. This answer choice can be written off as a premise weakener.

(C) Notice what is going on here. "To be acceptable...", this could very well be the start of a correct answer that it utilizing the contrapositive. The contrapositive to the argument's assumption would be "acceptable → fully comprehensible." However, (C) goes awry when it continues on to say that "acceptable → reproduced." This is just simply not needed.

(D) This is a trick answer! The argument is trying to get you to assume a connection between "less complex" and "more comprehensible." In addition, the argument is trying to make you think that "less complex" makes a difference! The reality is that "less complex" doesn't really mean much here. Less complex could still be totally incomprehensible. Maybe less complex means taking away one step from a process of 490,000 steps. Who knows? Either way, this is talking in relatives ('less complex') while the argument is speaking in absolutes ('fully comprehensible,' 'no one,' 'unacceptable,' etc. etc. etc.)

(E) This does not need to be assumed. Maybe the supercomputer can actually derive an acceptable solution. Perhaps it just hasn't yet. All this is really doing is weakening the conclusion, not the link between the premise and the conclusion.

(B) This is the correct answer and this is exactly what we thought! It utilizes the contrapositive to make a great answer.