Understanding Causal Reasoning in Philosophical Arguments

In a recent scholarly article, a philosopher presented an argument claiming that if society places greater value on environmental sustainability, it will lead to a more equitable socio-economic structure. The philosopher supports this argument by suggesting that sustainable practices often require community involvement, which fosters social equity. However, a critic of this view countered that prioritizing sustainability might actually impede economic growth in the short term, as businesses could face increased costs due to new regulations.

Based on this argument, which of the following most accurately describes the reasoning technique employed by the philosopher in support of his conclusion?