Logical reasoning PrepTest 115 · Section 2 · Question 3

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Letting everyone talk can silence some.

Answer Anticipation:
The stimulus here brings up a seeming paradox—allowing complete freedom of speech can actually inhibit individuals from voicing their opinions, thus in effect limiting speech. That definitely seems counterintuitive!

In order to resolve this paradox, we need an answer that explains how everyone being free to voice their opinions actually prevents some people from doing so. It can't be related to the law—as then there wouldn't be complete freedom of speech—so there must be some unexpected effect of complete freedom of speech that we should look for in the answers.

Answer Explanation:
This answer explains how complete freedom of speech can result in some people keeping quiet. If some are afraid of the power that speech wields and thus become less likely to air their opinions, then the warning from the Letter makes sense. This answer resolves the apparent contradiction, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Always start Paradox questions by identifying the paradox. If you can get a clear view of what you need to resolve, you'll be in good shape to find the correct answer even if you don't have a specific anticipation.

Incorrect. Offensive views being shared doesn't necessarily prevent others from sharing their views, so this answer doesn't resolve the paradox.

Incorrect. This answer is about restricting free speech, which can't explain how unrestricted free speech results in some people not sharing their views.

Incorrect. This answer uses an analogy to argue that the paradox makes no sense, so it definitely doesn't resolve it!

Incorrect. This answer highlights how unrestricted free speech results in more people sharing their views, so it doesn't explain how some people would feel as if they can't speak up.