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Explanation

Conclusion: It should be each homeowner’s decision to install anti-theft measures (because citizens in a free society should be allowed to take risks as long as those risks don’t harm others).

Weakening point: We must find evidence that not installing anti-theft measures does harm others so the “as long as those risks do not harm others” part would no longer hold, undermining the reason to let homeowners decide freely.

A is Irrelevant to the “harm others” question.

B talks about loss to the homeowner who chooses not to install; that’s self-harm, not harm to others. Doesn’t weaken.

C is incorrect as bank rules don’t address the “harm to others” issue for homeowners.

D suggests that laws mandating anti-theft measures correlate with lower burglary rates, but it’s about states with laws vs. without. Could imply overall social benefit, but not a direct harm-to-others link in the sense of immediate/financial impact on other citizens. Might support mandating, but not explicitly show how one homeowner’s choice harms others.

E is correct. If those without anti-theft measures cause increased losses, and insurance rates rise for everyone, then their choice does harm others (higher costs for neighbors). This directly counters the premise that risks don’t harm others.

Answer: E
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A new town ordinance that requires all home owners to install burglar alarms and other anti-theft measures on their property has received stiff opposition from those who believe that citizens of a free society must be allowed to freely take risks, as long as those risks do not harm others. Resultantly, they conclude that it should be each home owner’s decision to install the anti-theft measures.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the conclusion drawn above?

A. Many new homes come with pre-installed anti-theft measures.
B. Property owners who do not install anti-theft measures, on average, experience greater monetary loss due to burglary than those who do install such measures.
C. Banks are required to install extremely stringent anti-theft measures.
D. The rate of burglary in states that do not have laws mandating the installation of anti-theft measures is greater than that in states that do have such laws.
E. Theft insurance rates are higher for everyone because of the need to pay for the increased losses sustained by those without anti-theft measures.

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