Q16 - Philosopher: Groups are not the type of entity

[Laura Damone]

Question Type:
Determine the Function

Stimulus Breakdown:
Conclusion: Any ascription of praise or blame to a group must be translated into some statement about individuals if we are to evaluate it properly.

Evidence: Blameworthiness implies conscience and agency. Nations do not have consciences. Families are not agents.

Intermediate Conclusion: Groups are not the type of entities that can be worthy of praise or blame.

Answer Anticipation:
The claim that nations do not have consciences is a premise of the argument. It is a statement of fact, and no other claims are offered as support. The premise is integral to drawing the intermediate conclusion, which, in turn, is integral to supporting the main conclusion.

Correct answer:
B

Answer choice analysis:
(A) Nope. That's sentence number 1.

(B) Yes indeed. A perfect match to our prediction.

(C) Nope. There are no implications of the main conclusion cited in this argument.

(D) No: the claim in question is offered as support for a general conclusion. It is not cited as an instance of one.

(E) Nope. That's sentence number 4.

Takeaway/Pattern:
For Determine the Function questions, always break down the argument first, then look at how the claim in question fits within that structure. Focusing too narrowly on the claim without understanding the broader structure of the argument will get you in trouble!

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