Argument: 'Replacing manual weed removal with autonomous robotic weeders will increase net profits for strawberry farmers, because robotic weeders drastically cut seasonal labor wages.' Which unstated ASSUMPTION is essential to the argument?
Options:
(A) The capital, operating, and maintenance costs of robotic weeders will not exceed the labor savings.
(B) Robotic weeders are faster than manual workers under all weather conditions.
(C) Consumers prefer strawberries grown without manual human contact.
(D) All agricultural laborers will find employment in tractor factories.
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
For net profit to increase, the expenses incurred on acquiring and maintaining the robots must not outweigh the wage savings.