LSAT 148 | Section 2 | Reading Comprehension: Q4

RC Question 4 Explanation

DISCUSSION: We should actually look to utilitarianism to see where Rawls and the author agree. Why? Because Rawls rejects utilitarianism, and the author specifically criticizes it. In lines 9-11 the author said we shouldn’t execute an innocent person to please a mob. Since Rawls disagrees with utilitarianism, he surely agrees with this too.

The author is neutral on Rawls’ theory itself, and criticizes it in lines 51-55.

___________

1. CORRECT. See the analysis above. They would both agree that it is preferable to “fulfill the preferences” of an innocent person who wishes to avoid execution, instead of “fulfilling the preferences” of a bloodthirsty mob.
2. This answer is a misinterpretation of the passage. The author mentions “primary goods” as something to be apportioned using the veil of ignorance. But that’s not the same thing as “goods”. Goods = merchandise. Primary goods = i.e. rights, liberties, etc. See lines 45-47
3. The author says Rawls’ theory requires this, but in lines 51-55 the author seems to think this is a poor idea.
4. This isn’t mentioned. Some people might value power over income, and vice versa.
5. The author disagrees with this in lines 9-12. They don’t think a mob should be able to execute an innocent person. And the whole passage is aimed at demonstrating that Rawls also disagrees with this.
    
   We’re looking for a statement that Rawls and the author agree with. This answer is something they agree about, but it’s a statement they disagree with.