LSAT 128, Section 4, RC Passage 4, Cosmic Justice

RC Passage 4 Explanation (Comparative)

Paragraph Summaries

Passage A

1. Sowell defines cosmic justice as perfect justice, which only an omniscient being could achieve. Humans lack the necessary knowledge to fairly distribute rewards and punishments.
2. Since inputs (background factors) are too complex to evaluate fairly, human justice should focus on consequences (outputs) rather than attempting to determine true deservedness.

Passage B

1. Traditional justice ensures fair processes, while cosmic justice aims to correct all unmerited disadvantages regardless of their sources.
2. Cosmic justice alters legal outcomes by considering irrelevant factors, which reduces deterrence and increases crime at the expense of innocent people.

Analysis

For comparative passages, you want to have a general idea of the similarities and differences of the passages.

They both prefer traditional justice over cosmic justice, which focuses on actions and consequences rather than background factors.

But they have different reasonings. Passage A argues that cosmic justice is impossible due to human limitations. While passage B argues that cosmic justice is harmful because it undermines deterrence and fairness.

Overall, passage A is more theoretical while B is more focused on concrete legal examples.