Philosopher: True happiness is found not in the pursuit of pleasure, but in the meaningful engagement with challenging activities that foster personal growth. Therefore, individuals who prioritize easy, pleasurable experiences will ultimately fail to achieve true happiness. The philosopher's argument implicitly assumes which of the following?
- APersonal growth is inherently more valuable than pleasure.
- BMeaningful engagement with challenging activities cannot also be pleasurable.
- CChallenging activities are always more difficult than pleasurable experiences.
- DIndividuals who prioritize easy, pleasurable experiences do not also engage in challenging activities.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Individuals who prioritize easy, pleasurable experiences do not also engage in challenging activities.
The philosopher states that true happiness comes from challenging activities, not pleasure. The conclusion is that those who prioritize pleasure *will fail* to achieve true happiness. This only follows if prioritizing pleasure *precludes* engaging in challenging activities. If someone could prioritize pleasure *and still* meaningfully engage in challenging activities, then they might achieve true happiness, thus breaking the argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The argument implies this, but it's not a logical assumption *required* for the conclusion to follow. The conclusion is about what leads to happiness, not a value judgment on pleasure vs. growth.
- B. This is too strong. The argument doesn't require that challenging activities *cannot* be pleasurable, just that *true happiness* isn't found *in the pursuit of pleasure* itself, but in the engagement. They could be pleasurable as a side effect.
- C. This is likely true but not a *necessary* assumption. The argument contrasts 'easy, pleasurable' with 'challenging,' implying a difference, not a universal rule.
Implicit Assumption (Exclusivity)
An unstated premise that assumes two categories or actions are mutually exclusive or that prioritizing one necessarily excludes the other, which is required for a conclusion to hold.
- Often about 'either/or' situations
- Assumes choices are incompatible
- Crucial for arguments contrasting paths or outcomes
Memory trick: Just because you like apples doesn't mean you hate oranges!