Computers were invented for performing only high-end useful computations.…
2016
Computers were invented for performing only high-end useful computations. However, it is no understatement that they have taken over our world today. The internet, for example, is ubiquitous. Many believe that the internet itself is an unintended consequence of the original invention. With the advent of mobile computing on our phones, a whole new dimension is now enabled. One is left wondering if all these developments are good or, more importantly, required.
Which of the statement(s) below is/are logically valid and can be inferred from the above paragraph?
(i) The author believes that computers are not good for us.
(ii) Mobile computers and the internet are both intended inventions
- A.
(i) only
- B.
(ii) only
- C.
both (i) and (ii)
- D.
neither (i) nor (ii)
Attempted by 33 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Answer: neither statement is logically valid.
Key points from the passage:
Computers were invented for high-end useful computations, but they have now "taken over our world."
The internet is described as ubiquitous, and the passage notes that many believe the internet was an unintended consequence of the original invention.
The author says readers are "left wondering" if these developments are good or required, which expresses uncertainty rather than an asserted belief.
Evaluate the first statement (The author believes that computers are not good for us):
This is not supported. The author questions whether developments are good or required but does not assert that computers are not good. Expressing doubt or posing a question is not the same as stating a belief that computers are harmful.
Evaluate the second statement (Mobile computers and the internet are both intended inventions):
This is not supported. The passage explicitly says many believe the internet was an unintended consequence, so describing the internet as an intended invention contradicts the passage. The passage does not state that mobile computing was an intended invention either.
Conclusion: neither statement can be logically inferred from the passage.
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