The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles

Question

The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles of right and justice, on the broad fundamental distinctions between right and wrong, or as Montesquieu defines it, “on the principle that nations ought in time of peace to do each as much good, and in time of war as little harm as possible.” These are the principles from which any rule must be shown to spring, before it can be said to be a rule for international guidance. But what are the principles of right and wrong? These are not left to the individual reason of the interpreter of the law for the time being, but are to be decided by the public opinion of the civilized world, as it stands at the time when the case arises.

It may immediately be asked—How is that public opinion to be ascertained? The answer is—By ascertaining the differences in opinion between the present and the past. For this purpose it must be observed, that the views of a past age are easily ascertainable, in matters of law, from theoretical writings, history, and judicial decisions; and these views may be reduced to definition. Modern universal intelligence will either agree or disagree in these views. In the mass of instances it will agree, as progress on such points is at all times slow; and not only will the points of disagreement be few, but they will be salient, striking, and generally of popular notoriety. Present, universal, or international opinion, has therefore two portions. 1. That in which it accords with the views of a past generation, which has become historical. 2. That in which it differs from or contradicts those views.    1 
 1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the principles of right and wrong?

(A) They were first defined formally by Montesquieu
(B) They can only be arrived at by ascertaining the differences in opinion between the present and the past 
(C) They play an important role in forming public opinion 
(D) They are not decided by the views of any one individual in a position of authority 
(E) Nations are free to agree or disagree with these principles

2 
 2. Based on the information in the passage, in which of the following situations would it become difficult to ascertain public opinion?

(A) If there was no consensus among the public on any issue 
(B) If itwas not possible to ascertain past public opinions with any degree of certainty 
(C) If judicial decisions from the past were not readily available 
(D) If the principles of natural justice were infringed upon 
(E) If there was a general lack of intelligence among modern people

3 
 3. According to the passage, why is modern universal intelligence most likely to agree with the past views in majority of the cases?

(A) There are few points of disagreements.
(B) These views are more likely to be notorious.
(C) Progress on such views is slow over time.
(D) These views are universal in nature.
(E) These views are the basis of Law of Nations.

RC Butler 2022  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 120 Date: 23-Mar-2022
 This question is a part of RC Butler 2022 .  Click here for Details

HavishSingh · Answer

please explain the 3rd question

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. According to the passage, why is modern universal intelligence most likely to agree with the past views in majority of the cases?

Difficulty Level:   600

Explanation

The answer can be found in the line— In the mass of instances it will agree, as progress on such points is at all times slow.   (C)  states this best and should be the correct answer.

(A)  The question is concerned with the points of agreement and not the points of disagreement.

(B)  This is true for points of disagreement.

(D)  This is not stated anywhere in the passage.

(E)  This does not explain why modern intelligence is likely to agree with the past views in most cases.

Answer: C

jim441 · Answer

Kindly share the answer of Q2

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. Based on the information in the passage, in which of the following situations would it become difficult to ascertain public opinion?

Difficulty Level:   650

Explanation

The answer can be found in the lines— How is that public opinion to be ascertained?  The answer is—By ascertaining the  “differences”  in opinion between the present and the past. Now if public opinion from the past were not available with certainty, then it would become difficult to ascertain public opinion.  (B)  states this best and should be the correct answer.

(A)  This is actually a good thing because it is by comparing the differences in views that public opinion is arrived at.

(C)  Judicial decisions are just one of the sources of past public views. There are other sources as well such as theoretical writing and history.

(D)  This is not mentioned anywhere in the passage.

(E)  This is a distortion of the word ‘intelligence’ from P2. The passage does not use this word to convey the idea that everybody has to be intelligent for public opinion to be ascertained.

Answer: B

nkshmalik1 · Answer

Can anyone tell me how c is incorrect? since in my understanding, the judicial decisions along with other factors are necessary to ascertain public opinion. The mention of "and" makes it a necessary condition isn't it?

kakuli · Answer

Sajjad1994  please tell why can the answer to question 1 be B?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the principles of right and wrong?

Difficulty Level:   600-650

Explanation

The answer can be found towards the end of P1—These are not left to the individual reason of the interpreter of the law for the time being but are to be decided by the public opinion of the civilized world, as it stands at the time when the case arises.  (D)  can be best inferred from this and should be the correct answer.

(A)  The passage never states this.

(B)  The use of only makes this an extreme option.

(C)  In fact, it is public opinion that is the basis for these principles as stated in P1.

(E)  Nations must, in fact, agree with these principles.

Answer: D

The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles

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