Read the passage and answer questions 46 to 50: There is a new movement called…
2022
Read the passage and answer questions 46 to 50:
There is a new movement called libertarian paternalism, which is not attractive at first sight. Both words are characterised by stereotypes from popular culture and politics that make them unappealing to many. Even worse, the concepts seem contradictory. If the terms are properly understood, however, both concepts reflect common sense and are far more attractive together than alone. According to the libertarian strategy, people should be free to do what they like. This also includes the freedom to opt out of undesirable arrangements if they want to do so. Libertarian paternalists urge that people should be free to choose, and policies should be designed to maintain or increase freedom of choice. The paternalistic aspect lies in the claim that it is legitimate for choice architects to try to influence people's behaviour in order to make their lives longer, healthier, and better. Institutions in the private sector and government should make conscious efforts to steer people's choices to improve their lives. A policy is paternalistic if it tries to influence choices in ways that make choosers better off, as judged by the people themselves. It is a fact that individuals often make quite bad decisions. Such decisions would not have been made if they had paid full attention and possessed complete information, unlimited cognitive abilities, and complete self-control. Libertarian paternalism, however, is a relatively weak, soft, and non-intrusive type of paternalism because it does not prevent people from making bad decisions.
The focus of the passage is on
Answer: C. The freedom of choices for a better society. — ConceptA passage’s central idea is the broad claim developed across most of the text, not a detail mentioned once. Identify the recurring relationship among…
- A.
The opposition to libertarian paternalism
- B.
The unlimited cognitive abilities of individuals.
- C.
The freedom of choices for a better society.
- D.
The need to ignore the defects of libertarian paternalism.
Attempted by 4 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
A passage’s central idea is the broad claim developed across most of the text, not a detail mentioned once. Identify the recurring relationship among the author’s main points, then test each proposed focus against the whole passage.
Application
The passage repeatedly joins two principles: people remain free to choose or opt out of undesirable arrangements, while choice architects may guide decisions toward longer, healthier, and better lives as judged by the people themselves. This combination is described as weak, soft, and non-intrusive paternalism.
Contrast
“The opposition to libertarian paternalism” covers the opening reaction to the labels and stereotypes.
“The unlimited cognitive abilities of individuals” comes from a hypothetical list of capacities that real decision-makers do not possess.
“The freedom of choices for a better society” combines the two ideas developed throughout: preserving choice and guiding people toward better lives.
“The need to ignore the defects of libertarian paternalism” introduces a recommendation that the passage does not make.
Cross-check
Removing the opening comments about unattractive stereotypes would leave the main explanation intact, but removing freedom of choice and the aim of improving people’s lives would remove the passage’s organizing argument. The phrase “for a better society” is broader and less precise than the passage’s individual-welfare criterion. Nevertheless, among the offered values, “The freedom of choices for a better society” is the best fit because it alone combines freedom of choice with improvement in people’s lives.