PrepTest 80, Section 4, Question 5

By Brandon Beaver | Published October 29, 2024

Type: Attitude

Difficulty:

Explanations

We're asked about the author's attitude toward Rawls's theory.
I'm predicting something like strong endorsement (most of the passage), but with some caveats (the problems of redistribution mentioned in the final paragraph).
Let's go find it.
A
No way. The author isn't neutral, they're positive.
B
Also no way. The author likes Rawls's theory. They don't demonstrate disdain.
C
Nah, this is a trap. This implies an overall negative bent and we can confidently describe this author as pro-Rawls, not as a Rawlsian skeptic.
D
Nope, also a trap. This is a slightly more positive view than what was presented in C. This would sound something like, "I love Rawls's work in theory, but it would never work in reality." We can say confidently that this isn't the author's sentiment.
E
Finally, yes. The author loves the novel way Rawls addresses problems presented by utilitarianism and then brings up some potential problems that would play out if Rawls's theories were adopted.

Passage

The following passage is adapted from a journal article. 

Question 5

The author's stance toward Rawls's theory is most accurately