Why is the argument deceptive? Choose the correct answer below. A. The argument states the conclusion before the premise. B. The conclusion is drawn from an inadequate number of cases. C. The lack of knowledge about the truth of a proposition is used as proof. D. The premise tells us one thing hanened before another, but doesn't prove any connection between them.

The most accurate answer is: **C. The lack of knowledge about the truth of a proposition is used as proof.** **Explanation:** This option describes the **argument from ignorance** (also known as *argumentum ad ignorantiam*). This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a proposition is true simply because it has not been proven false, or vice versa. Using the absence of evidence as evidence itself is deceptive because it shifts the burden of proof unfairly and does not provide valid reasoning to support the conclusion. **Why the other options are less appropriate:** - **A. The argument states the conclusion before the premise.** - This is more about the structure or presentation of the argument rather than its deceptive nature. An argument can state the conclusion first to clarify the point but still be logically sound. - **B. The conclusion is drawn from an inadequate number of cases.** - While this describes a **hasty generalization**, which is indeed deceptive, option C more directly addresses the issue of using lack of knowledge as proof. - **D. The premise tells us one thing happened before another, but doesn't prove any connection between them.** - This describes the **post hoc ergo propter hoc** fallacy (false cause). Although it's a deceptive form of reasoning, option C more specifically addresses the misuse of lack of evidence. **Therefore, option C best explains why the argument is deceptive.**