The stable functioning of a society depends upon the relatively long-term stability of the goals of its citizens. Thi...

Katherine April 30, 2019

Hi @Samantha-Alexis,

I'm happy to help explain some of the wording in this question. First, what does an argument presupposing something mean? Answer E says “It is used to illustrate the general principle that the argument presupposes.” To presuppose means to tacitly assume something at the beginning of a line of argument. In other words, an assumption that the argument has already made.

You also asked for the difference between the words “illustrate” and “support.” To illustrate a general principle would be to provide an example of the principle. Such an example could also “support” or lend weight to the conclusion of the argument. The words are similar but distinctive.

In order to pick the right answer to this answer, the key distinction is not the difference between “illustrate” and “support.” Instead, we have to determine what ROLE the claim about society being stable if it increasing happiness of its citizens plays in the argument.

The argument begins with the conclusion - a stable society depends upon the relatively long-term stability of the goals of its citizens. We know this is the conclusion based on the sentences that follow. It then supports this conclusion with the next sentence, beginning with “This is clear from the fact…” The claim that a society is stable only if its laws tend to increase the happiness of its citizens is part of this support of the conclusion stated in the sentence. It is not an illustration of a general principle the argument presupposes. There is no principle that was assumed at the beginning of the line of argument.

Therefore, Answer B is correct.

I hope this is helpful, please reach out with other questions!