The end of an action is the intended outcome of the action and not a mere by-product of the action, and the end's val...

jstaff August 3, 2019

I look forward to a response as I'm also interested in breaking down the difference between the two answers

Ravi August 3, 2019

@Ryan-Mahabir and @jstaff,

Happy to help. Let's take a look at (E) and (C).

(E) says, "Nothing can justify the intended outcome of an action
except the value of that action’s actual outcomes."

(E) is very tricky, but it's wrong because the author only discusses
intended outcomes, whereas (E) talks about actual outcomes. Actual
outcomes aren't something that we know about, so we can get rid of
this answer choice. If (E) had said "intended outcome" instead of
"actual outcome," it would be correct.

(C) says, "One can justify an action only by appeal to the value of
its intended outcome."

The main conclusion of the argument comes in the last sentence when
the author states that nothing will justify a means except an end's
value. (C) does a great job at paraphrasing the conclusion of the
stimulus, so it's the correct answer choice.

Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

rachelt917 February 20, 2020

@ryan I still don't get how that makes E incorrect the last sentence talks about the outcome and doesn't mention intended but the value of the actual outcome. E is a restatement of that, why isnt the last line the conclusion and the first line the premise?

jalmario September 5, 2020

@Rachel I thought the same thing, I still don't understand why E doesn't work.

kens January 10, 2022

So, for this passage, end of an action = intended outcome = end's value? I can see how the first two are synonymous, but not how the latter two are? Please help.

Jordan-Schlinger January 17, 2022

Hey Kens! So that is indeed the problem with E. The passage never once talks about actual outcomes, just how what is intended is what matters. It uses extremely obtuse language to mask this, but they are assuming that the outcome is what is intended as that is all they are talking about. Therefore, as is irrelevant whilst C has value.