Let's talk Principle questions. These questions take a couple different forms depending on whether they address an argument.
When we're dealing with an argument, these questions function similarly to in that we need to find the justification for the argument.
When we're not, we need to find an answer choice that's demonstrated in the passage.
Here's what these questions tend to look like:
- Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the argument's reasoning?
- The pundit's reasoning most closely conforms to which of the following principles?
- The scenario described conforms most closely to which one of the following?
Let's review some examples.
Examples
PrepTest 123, Section 2, Question 7
Ethicist: The most advanced kind of moral motivation is based solely on abstract principles. This form of motivation is in contrast with calculated self-interest or the desire to adhere to societal norms and conventions.
We're asked to find an answer choice that exhibits this most advanced kind of moral motivation. I'm looking for someone to take selfless action based in lofty ideals, and particularly action that doesn't come with recognition or reward.
My prediction is rewarded in the answer choices. D walks us through a scenario where an employee reports their employer's illegal (yet profitable) practice that's harming the environment because the employee believes protecting the environment always comes before profits.
PrepTest 135, Section 1, Question 14
Next we're working on
Principle: If an insurance policy is written in such a way that a reasonable person seeking insurance would not read it thoroughly before signing it, then the reasonable expectations of the policyholder concerning the policy's coverage should take legal precedence over specific language in the written policy itself.
Application: The insurance company should be required to cover the hail damage to Celia's car, even though specific language in the written policy Celia signed excluded coverage for hail damage.
We're asked to justify the application of the principle. Since the company should cover the damage despite the specific language in the policy, it must be the case that the policy is written such that a reasonable person wouldn't have read it and Celia expected the hail damage would be covered.
That leads us straight to answer choice B—this guarantees the application follows the principle.
---
That's it for Principle questions. Next, we're looking at how to solve Parallel Reasoning. Hope to see you there.