PT 59 Section 2 Q18 Forum

[nygrl]

I initially chose C for this question. I understand why C is wrong but I do not understand why D is the correct answer.

What bothers me is the use of the term "general fact". I think of a fact as an agreed upon statement, like "that house is blue". If the author is disagreeing with Malthus on this argument, how can it be considered a fact?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[LSAT World]

This question asks what role is played by a statement in the argument. The statement, which is found in the first statement, is presented as a general fact and is not debated. However, the argument goes on to say that this fact will change in the future, so (D) is the credited response.