PrincipleDiff: Easy

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: The author argues that because universities are all about sharing knowledge and 'showing your work,' they should use software that allows users to see and change the code, rather than secret, paid software.

Conclusion: Universities should exclusively utilize open-source software rather than proprietary versions.

Reasoning: Open-source software aligns with the transparency and collaborative values of academic scholarship, which is the primary mission of universities.

Analysis: This is a Principle question where the argument moves from a factual comparison to a moral or practical 'should.' The commentator establishes that open-source software shares the same DNA as academic research. To make this argument stick, we need a principle that connects an institution's tools to its core mission. Look for an answer choice that dictates that institutions should prioritize methods or tools that embody their fundamental values.

Passage Stimulus

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14.

The commentator's reasoning most closely conforms to which one of the following principles?

Correct Answer
C
It states exactly the governing rule used: universities should choose the software that best matches the values embodied in the activities central to their mission (scholarship). This justifies the move from value-match to the “should use” conclusion.
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