Quote:
Censor: All anarchist novels have two objectionable characteristics: a subversive outlook and the depiction of wholesale violence. Therefore, it is permissible to ban any anarchist novel that would do more harm than good to society. Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the censor’s reasoning?
A: If a novel has Subversive outlook but doesn't depict wholesale violence, it is permissible to ban it.
B: If a novel depicts wholesale violence, then it is permissible to ban it if doing so would do more good than harm to society.
C: It is permissible to ban a novel only if the novel has Subversive outlook and would do more harm than good to society.
D: It is permissible to ban a novel that would cause the society more harm than good If the novel has two or more objectionable characteristics.
E: It is permissible to ban a novel that depicts wholesale violence only if that novel has at least one other objectionable characteristics.
LSAT
A clear "D".
Argument first explains the nature of an anarchist novel. It then states that it is permissible to ban anarchist novel that would do more harm than good to society.
Coming to options,
A.
Wrong, since only anarchist novels which do more harm than good to society are to be banned. An anarchist novel is characterised by
BOTH characteristics mentioned in the first line. Since Option A only considers one characteristic, we cant be certain that the novel is anarchist. Hence wrong.
B.
Wrong, for the reason provided for option A.
C.
Wrong again, for the reason provided for option A.
D. Talks about at least 2 characteristics, but which 2? Anyway, Lets Hold.
E.
Wrong again, for the reason provided for option A.
Hence only remaining option "D" is the
correct answer since it mentions about at least 2 objectionable characteristics.