PrepTest 148, Section 2, Question 4
By Brandon Beaver | Published October 29, 2024
Type: Agree / Disagree
Difficulty:
Explanations
The question asks us to interpret both the author's and Rawls's points of view.
They're largely aligned throughout the passage, namely regarding utilitarianism, so I'm predicting our answer will have something to do with utilitarianism's shortcomings.
Let's take a look.
A
Yes, this works. Evidence for this answer comes about throughout the passage, but I see the best support for it in the final three sentences of the first paragraph. There, the author sets up and knocks down one of the principle shortcomings of utilitarianism—occasional mob rule—and introduces Rawls's similar critiques.
B
Nah. We don't have good support that either the author or Rawls believes this.
C
Nope. I dislike this answer choice for multiple reasons. First, I have evidence that Rawls might believe this, at best. Second, must creates a very high bar. The simple fact that Rawls may not totally believe this disqualifies this answer choice based on must. Lastly, we have no proof the author thinks this either, only that it appears to be a downstream result of Rawls's theory.
D
No way. Similar to B, we have absolutely no evidence that either party believes this.
E
Nope. This is a utilitarian ideal, something the author and Rawls would both disagree with.
Passage
The following passage is adapted from a journal article.
Question 4
With which one of the following statements would both Rawls