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- Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:00 am
#63998
Complete Question Explanation
Method of Reasoning. The correct answer choice is (A)
Here the philosopher points out that among wolves, it is intolerable for one wolf to attack another
that has already shown submission, and the same goes for foxes and domesticated dogs.
In a convoluted final sentence, the author draws the following conclusion: therefore it would be
wrong to deny animal rights based on the claim that humans are the only ones who can follow a
moral code.
In other words, the information provided about wolves, foxes, and dogs, is intended to show that
these breeds are able to obey a moral code, so a supposed inability to follow such a code should not
be used to deny their rights.
The question is followed by a Method of Reasoning question, so the correct answer choice will
describe the philosopher’s approach—to provide information that refutes a claim.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. The philosopher’s counterexamples of
wolves, foxes, and dogs are provided to refute the claim that animals cannot follow a moral code—
this refuted claim might otherwise be used as basis for the conclusion that animals should be denied
their rights.
Answer choice (B): The philosopher’s argument deals with only three breeds, implying nothing
about all animals.
Answer choice (C): The argument is not intended to question whether the ability to follow a moral
code is necessary, but rather to show that this ability is present is some animals, so even if it is not
necessary some animals still shouldn’t be denied their rights on this basis.
Answer choice (D): The philosopher seeks to refute a claim, rather than to establish one, by showing
that its supposed basis is inaccurate.
Answer choice (E): The philosopher does not suggest that the concept of morality is often defined
too broadly, but rather that some animals can follow a moral code.
Method of Reasoning. The correct answer choice is (A)
Here the philosopher points out that among wolves, it is intolerable for one wolf to attack another
that has already shown submission, and the same goes for foxes and domesticated dogs.
In a convoluted final sentence, the author draws the following conclusion: therefore it would be
wrong to deny animal rights based on the claim that humans are the only ones who can follow a
moral code.
In other words, the information provided about wolves, foxes, and dogs, is intended to show that
these breeds are able to obey a moral code, so a supposed inability to follow such a code should not
be used to deny their rights.
The question is followed by a Method of Reasoning question, so the correct answer choice will
describe the philosopher’s approach—to provide information that refutes a claim.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. The philosopher’s counterexamples of
wolves, foxes, and dogs are provided to refute the claim that animals cannot follow a moral code—
this refuted claim might otherwise be used as basis for the conclusion that animals should be denied
their rights.
Answer choice (B): The philosopher’s argument deals with only three breeds, implying nothing
about all animals.
Answer choice (C): The argument is not intended to question whether the ability to follow a moral
code is necessary, but rather to show that this ability is present is some animals, so even if it is not
necessary some animals still shouldn’t be denied their rights on this basis.
Answer choice (D): The philosopher seeks to refute a claim, rather than to establish one, by showing
that its supposed basis is inaccurate.
Answer choice (E): The philosopher does not suggest that the concept of morality is often defined
too broadly, but rather that some animals can follow a moral code.
