#4 - Philosopher: We should not disapprove of the unearthing

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

Must Be True—PR. The correct answer choice is (B)

Although this philosopher's assertion is stated in a fairly sophisticated manner, it can be restated in simpler terms:

We shouldn't be opposed to revealing truths we'd rather not acknowledge, or those

that might have negative influence on society. The question stem asks for the answer choice which most closely conforms to this basic principle.

Answer choice (A): Since this choice deals with illegally obtained information, it does not reflect the principle from the stimulus, which deals only with the assertion that we shouldn't be opposed to revealing certain truths.

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. This choice applies the principle from the stimulus to a medical context. We should not restrict such research even if negative consequences might result.

Answer choice (C): The philosopher makes no such specific exceptions to the general rule that we should not be opposed to unearthing the referenced truths.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice is incorrect for basically the same reason as incorrect answer choice (A) above. Since this choice deals with illegal means of obtaining information, the philosopher's assertion is not applicable in this context.

Answer choice (E): While the stimulus' argument is that we should not be opposed unearthing truths, this choice asserts that in certain contexts we should not have to adhere too closely to the truth, so there is a very different principle at work here, and this answer choice is incorrect.

[lsattesttaker93]

I had a question regarding AC B: Are disapproval and restriction the same thing? I feel like there is some distance between the two terms, no, and wasn't comfortable with this AC.

[katehos]

Hi lsattesttaker93,

Thanks for asking! One good way to better understand the principle itself is to simplify its language: We should not oppose seeking a truth because it may have a bad influence nor because we do not want to acknowledge it.

Answer choice (B) shows that, regardless of its impact on society, scientific research should not be restricted, which adheres to the idea that we should not disapprove of unearthing truths (in this case, through science) because of any negative societal impacts (in this case, manufacture of weapons). While disapproval and restriction don't mean the exact same thing, we can see that (B) illustrates a clear application of the philosopher's principle. Try to think of it this way: if you did not approve of what the scientific research could cause, how could you stop it? By restricting it! Sure, there are other approaches you can take, but restriction of scientific inquiry is still an expression of such disapproval. So, according to the philosopher, one should not do it!

I hope that helps!
Kate