Logical reasoning PrepTest 111 · Section 4 · Question 9

Incorrect. Assuming that selfishness is the opposite of altruism, this answer is at least in scope. However, there's no discussion of what is true of all moral codes. The closest the stimulus gets is to say that all moral behavior follows a moral code. Since this answer isn't stated or implied by the stimulus, it's incorrect.

Incorrect. All moral behavior follows a moral code, but there's no indication that these moral codes all promote altruism, and are only motivated by altruism, so this answer is also not a part of the argument.

Incorrect. Moral behavior follows a set of rules/a moral code, but there's no indication that this moral code promotes serving the needs of others. Another answer that isn't even a part of the argument.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Humans are naturally inclined to be altruistic
Moral behavior → Reason
Moral behavior → Follows a formal moral code/set of rules
Therefore - Not all altruistic behavior is moral

Answer Anticipation:
The argument starts by describing a phenomenon, but then it pivots ("but") to a judgment ("counting as moral") about acts of altruism. Since this statement is a pivot to a judgment/opinion, it's likely the main point.

The following statements support that not all altruistic acts are moral. Since reason plays an essential role in moral behavior, and moral behavior requires following a formal set of rules, altruistic acts that are motivated by a natural inclination wouldn't meet that condition. Applying the conditionals in the last two sentences (individually or together) to the altruistic behavior that's not a result of reason but rather a result of our natural disposition justifies the statement that not all altruistic behavior is moral, thus reinforcing that as the main point of the argument since it has support.

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects the pivot statement that shows the Moralist's judgment on altruistic actions and moral behavior. It's backed up by the discussion of reason and the conditional about moral behavior, which is then applied to altruistic acts that are motivated by humans' natural disposition to do them. This is therefore the main point of the argument.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument applies a conditional to a situation, the judgment drawn about that situation will almost always be the main point of the argument.

Incorrect. If anything, the argument contradicts this by stating that humans have a natural disposition to altruism, and that not all altruistic acts are moral because reason plays a role in moral behavior.