Logical reasoning PrepTest 110 · Section 2 · Question 7

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Performing good action praiseworthy → Overcome powerful temptation to do it
Performing good actions out of habit is sometimes praiseworthy

Answer Anticipation:
As with all Paradox questions, let's start by clearly defining the paradox here.

The moral system has two beliefs that are supposedly at odds. The first sets up praiseworthiness of an action as requiring the overcoming of powerful temptations. However, the second says that sometimes, actions are praiseworthy when performed out of habit.

Since we need to reconcile these beliefs, not pick one over the other, we'll need to find out how both can apply. And since the second situation is the one that seems at odds with a requirement, we should focus there.

How can it be that performing an action out of habit can involve overcoming a powerful temptation? We're not sure, but that's the specific conflict we need to resolve. Let's head into the answers to find one that shows how it's possible.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights that a habitual action may involve overcoming temptation, which resolves the paradox. These habitual praiseworthy actions are praiseworthy because the person developed the habit only after spending years resisting temptation. So these habitual actions did involve overcoming temptation and thus they meet the requirement to be considered praiseworthy.

Key Takeaway:
Remember that for Paradox questions, we're tasked with resolving a paradox, not picking a side. You need to find an answer that lets both sides of the weird situation remain true!

Incorrect. There's no indication if these people are overcoming the temptation.

Incorrect. The debate is over whether these actions are praiseworthy based on the overcoming of temptation not whether they're good.

Incorrect. If anything, this answer muddies the waters and makes it hard, if not impossible, to tell if someone overcame temptation.

Incorrect. First, the relative frequency of habitual vs. against temptation actions doesn't determine the praiseworthiness of them. Second, this answer does nothing to connect habitual actions to overcoming temptation—if anything, it separates habitual actions from actions that overcome temptations.