Flawed ReasoningDiff: Hardest
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A critic claims that teaching kids right from wrong makes them feel bad about themselves, so society is actually making everyone more miserable.
Conclusion: The overall result of moral socialization is an increase in the total amount of human suffering.
Reasoning: Socializing children involves using shame to correct behavior, which frequently leads to long-term guilt and self-loathing.
Analysis: This argument is a bit one-sided, focusing entirely on the cost of socialization without considering the benefit. To claim a net increase in suffering, you have to account for the suffering that would occur if children were never socialized at all. The critic's flaw is failing to consider that the absence of moral socialization might lead to even more suffering than the guilt it causes. Look for an answer that highlights this failure to weigh both sides of the ledger.
Conclusion: The overall result of moral socialization is an increase in the total amount of human suffering.
Reasoning: Socializing children involves using shame to correct behavior, which frequently leads to long-term guilt and self-loathing.
Analysis: This argument is a bit one-sided, focusing entirely on the cost of socialization without considering the benefit. To claim a net increase in suffering, you have to account for the suffering that would occur if children were never socialized at all. The critic's flaw is failing to consider that the absence of moral socialization might lead to even more suffering than the guilt it causes. Look for an answer that highlights this failure to weigh both sides of the ledger.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage20.The social critic's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it
Correct Answer
D
The critic infers a net increase in suffering from the fact that shame sometimes causes guilt and self-loathing. This takes for granted that moral socialization cannot also substantially reduce suffering (e.g., by deterring harmful acts), which is exactly what choice D identifies.
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