Although the recent debate over the efficacy

Question

Although the recent debate over the
 efficacy of capital punishment as a
 deterrent to violent crime has produced
 informed commentary from both camps,
5 few of the “experts” cited in public
 discussion of the issue are aware that
 the basic concept of deterrence was
 developed during the eighteenth century
 by the Italian writer Cesare Beccaria in
10 his book Crimes and Punishments
 (1764). While arguing vehemently in
 favor of strict punishments for violent
 criminals, Beccaria nevertheless
 rejected torture, secret trials, and capital
15 punishment as viable deterrents to
 violent crime.
 Beccaria’s writings have had a
 profound influence on the treatment of
 criminals. However, at present there is
20 little evidence to support Beccaria’s
 fundamental contention that strict
 punishment leads to a reduction in
 violent crime. In a survey of the
 American penal system recently carried
25 out by the Justice Department, a vast
 majority of convicted felons revealed
 that the threat of strict punishment, even
 capital punishment, in no way deterred
 them from committing a particular crime
30 or pursuing a career in crime. One
 wonders how Beccaria would alter his
 arguments if evidence like this had been
 available to him. He might be pleased to
 note that the evidence does support his
35 belief that capital punishment is an
 ineffective deterrent, but he would be
 hard pressed to find compelling support
 for his other Draconian
 recommendations.

According to the author, which of the following is true of Beccaria’s conception of criminal punishment?

It is discounted by most participants in the debate over capital punishment.
 
It typifies eighteenth-century attitudes toward the treatment of violent criminals.
 
It is less relevant to the debate over capital punishment than it was two centuries ago.
 
It forms the basis of the most contemporary discussions of crime and punishment.
 
It contains an early expression of a central issue to the debate over capital punishment.

goldeneagle94 · Answer

IMO D.

A, C and E can be eliminated because it talks about capital punishment, not criminal punishment.

B is not relevant because it talks about 18 ^{\small th}  century attitudes which is not discussed.

D is the answer.

goldeneagle94 · Answer

any alternate views about the answer are appreciated.

aknine · Answer

I think E is the answer

According to the author, which of the following is true of Beccaria’s conception of criminal punishment?
A) It is  discounted  by most participants in the debate over capital punishment. strong word
B) It  typifies  eighteenth-century attitudes toward the treatment of violent criminals.  The concept was developed by him in his book.. typifies is not the exact word.  
C) It is  less relevant  to the debate over capital punishment than it was two centuries ago.
D) It  forms the basis  of the most contemporary discussions of crime and punishment.

E) It contains an early expression of a central issue to the debate over capital punishment. it is neutral and appropriate.

urchin · Answer

E shud be the answer. First para indicates that.

abhas59 · Answer

Its close between D & E.
The passage is primarily focussed Becarria's implications on efficacy of capital punishment at present, not about its implications on crime & punishment prevalent at present.
Thus E is a better choice than D.

Ashtya · Answer

It is discounted by most participants in the debate over capital punishment.  few of the “experts” cited in public discussion of the issue are aware that the basic concept of deterrence was developed during the eighteenth century by the Italian writer Cesare Beccaria    They were not aware so they can not discount it

It typifies eighteenth-century attitudes toward the treatment of violent criminals.  The book was published in 18th century but no where attitude of that century is mentioned in the passage

It is less relevant to the debate over capital punishment than it was two centuries ago.  Any Debate in 18th century is not mentioned

It forms the basis of the most contemporary discussions of crime and punishment.  Same argument as for choice A, They were not aware so it can not be the basis

It contains an early expression of a central issue to the debate over capital punishment.  The central issue of the debate as mentioned in first esntence is Capital punishment and Beccaria's has given his view on capital punishment

So answer is E

vamsi4chadalawada · Answer

Great Passage .. Answer E

goalset · Answer

Between E and D I chose E.D has a very strong word  most  which is not supported by the paragraph through evidence therefore by POE I went for E.

soumya170293 · Answer

According to my analysis, D can't be the answer bcz it uses extreme word ' most '
Answer should be E.
POE of B and C ( We dont have any idea regarding comparison of eighteenth century or two centuries ago. )

goofytiwari69 · Answer

summary - 
Beccaria’s fundamental contention is that strict punishment leads to a reduction inviolent crime, but he rejected torture, secret trials, and capital punishment as viable deterrents to violent crime. after the survey of the American penal system his fundamental contention was proved wrong but capital punishment contention was right.
 now a and c are not true, b is not relevent to the question, d is not stated or clearly mentioned anywhere also in line 20 it is stated that in present times there is not enough evidence to support Beccaria’s fundamental contention that strict punishment leads to a reduction in violent crime.
the debate is on capital punishment and the author brings in Beccaria’s writings to discuss capital punishment but discusses his other contentions too.
 i think E is the right answer.

Although the recent debate over the efficacy

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards