Geneticists say that they are very close to confirming the genetic roots of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, and consequently, that doctors will be able to eradicate these diseases through early identification and gene therapy.
On which of the following assumptions does the statement above rely?
Select one:
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Answer: B
To identify the assumption on which the argument relies, we can use the negation test. An assumption is a necessary but unstated premise; if we negate it, the argument must fall apart.
Analyzing the argument:
- Premise: Geneticists are close to confirming the genetic roots of psychiatric illnesses (such as depression and schizophrenia).
- Conclusion: Consequently, doctors will be able to eradicate these diseases through early identification and gene therapy.
Let us evaluate the options:
- Option B: Certain psychiatric illnesses have a genetic basis.
Negation: "Psychiatric illnesses do not have a genetic basis."
If psychiatric illnesses have no genetic basis, then confirming their genetic roots and using gene therapy to eradicate them is impossible. This completely breaks the argument. Therefore, Option B is a necessary assumption. - Option A: Strategies are now available for eliminating psychiatric illnesses.
This is incorrect because the passage states that doctors will be able to eradicate these diseases in the future, not that the strategies are currently available. - Option C: All human diseases can be traced back to genes and how they are expressed.
This is too broad and extreme. The argument only concerns specific psychiatric illnesses, not "all human diseases." - Option D: In the future, genetics will become the only relevant field for identifying psychiatric illnesses.
The word "only" makes this option too restrictive. Genetics being a viable method does not mean it must be the only method.
Thus, the correct option is B.
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