Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Laila suggests that while we usually shouldn't lie, it is actually okay to do so if telling that lie does more good for the world than harm.

Conclusion: Lying is morally acceptable in specific instances where the benefits of the lie outweigh the negative consequences.

Reasoning: While generally considered unacceptable, the morality of a lie is determined by a cost-benefit analysis of its total impact.

Analysis: This is a Principle Application question, so we need a scenario that perfectly mirrors Laila's 'utilitarian' approach to honesty. Look for a choice where a character tells a clear falsehood and the resulting judgment is that the action was fine because a significant harm was avoided or a greater good was achieved. You must ensure the choice explicitly mentions that the 'good' outweighs the 'harm.' Avoid any options where the person tells the truth or where the lie results in more trouble than it saved.

Passage Stimulus

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14.

Which one of the following judgments conforms most closely to the principle stated by Laila?

Correct Answer
D
D ties permissibility to consequences: Debra’s lie is okay as long as it helps Thomas and does no harm. That is exactly a more-good-than-harm standard.
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