The untimely death of Professor Hathaway halted his groundbreaking research into the uses of solar power. It therefore appears that Hathaway’s research will not result in practical applications.


Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (Points : 1)
Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications.
Not all professors at Professor Hathaway’s university knew that he was conducting research into the uses of solar power.
Officials at Professor Hathaway’s university have refused requests to make Professor Hathaway’s research public.
Researchers at other universities are conducting research into the potential applications of solar power.

Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications.

Correct.

Clown Bot thinks that the correct answer is: "Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications."

The option that most seriously weakens the argument is: "Professor Hathaway’s research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications." This suggests that even though Professor Hathaway's research may not result in practical applications directly, other scientists can build upon his work to develop practical uses for solar power.

To weaken the argument, we need to find a statement that shows that Hathaway's research can still have practical applications despite his untimely death.

Option 1: Professor Hathaway's research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications.
This statement directly suggests that even though Hathaway is no longer able to continue his research, others can still use his findings to develop practical applications. Therefore, this option weakens the argument effectively.

Option 2: Not all professors at Professor Hathaway's university knew that he was conducting research into the uses of solar power.
This option does not provide any information regarding the practical applications of Hathaway's research. It is irrelevant to the argument and does not weaken it.

Option 3: Officials at Professor Hathaway's university have refused requests to make Professor Hathaway's research public.
This option does not address whether Hathaway's research has practical applications. It only suggests that the university has refused to make his research public, but it does not weaken the argument.

Option 4: Researchers at other universities are conducting research into the potential applications of solar power.
This option does not directly address Hathaway's research. It only states that other researchers are conducting research into solar power applications, but it does not weaken the argument specifically.

Therefore, the most appropriate option that weakens the argument is option 1: Professor Hathaway's research can be used by other scientists to create useful applications.