Question

The statement is followed by two arguments. State which argument is stronger with respect to the statement.

Statement:

Is music the universal language of mankind?

Argument:

I. Yes, the distinctive features of rhythm and melody contribute to portraying the human expression of emotions through music.

II. Although, from the base they are human expressions, but music and linguistic systems vary from culture to culture.

1. Only argument II is strong.
2. Both arguments I and II are strong.
3. Neither I nor II are strong.
4. Only argument I is strong.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Only argument I is strong.

According to the first argument, the rhythm and melody contribute to portraying the human expression of emotions through music. Now, even though the instruments, music, and linguistics vary from culture to culture, the overall human expression remains the same everywhere. Hence, music plays a great role in being the universal language.

According to statement II, music and linguistics are one of the components of music which may vary from culture to culture. This may not be true for the overall music.

Hence, only argument I is strong.