Therapists who treat violent criminals

Answer choices

1. A

   No Impact13% picked this

   Most therapists who treat violent criminals are assigned this task by

   The backstory behind why therapists would end up working with a violent criminal is irrelevant to our assessment of whether it's possible to keep the client's confessions a secret while still being duly concerned for the welfare of future victims.

   13%
2. B

   Irrelevant Distinction: in/out of prison4% picked this

   Criminals are no more likely to receive therapy in prison than they are

   A comparison between how common it is for criminals in prison vs. out of prison to receive therapy is irrelevant to our assessment of whether it's possible to keep the client's confessions a secret while still being duly concerned for the welfare of future victims.

   4%
3. C

   Out of Scope: victims' confidentiality2% picked this

   Victims of future violent crimes also have a right to confidentiality should

   This discussion is about whether or not it's possible for a therapist to keep a violent criminal's confessions a secret while still being duly concerned for the welfare of future victims Whether or not future victims are also entitled to confidentiality in therapy has nothing to do with that discussion. This answer also says tells us something that common sense would already tell us (naturally, they would have a right to confidentiality -- why wouldn't a victim of a violent crime have a right to confidentiality in therapy?), so it isn't a new, impactful idea like what we're looking for.

   2%
4. D

   Out of Scope: compensation6% picked this

   The right of victims of violent crimes to compensation is as important as the right of criminals

   This discussion is about whether or not it's possible for a therapist to keep a violent criminal's confessions a secret while still being duly concerned for the welfare of future victims Whether or not victims of violent crimes are entitled to monetary compensation has nothing to do with that discussion.

   6%
5. E

   Correct75% picked this

   A therapist who has gained a violent criminal’s trust can persuade that criminal not to

   Why this is right

   This gives us a potential way to argue that it's possible for a therapist to keep a violent criminal's confessions a secret while still being duly concerned for the welfare of future victims A therapist might keep the client's unreported crimes a secret, thereby maintaining confidentiality. But the therapist could simultaneously be showing sincere concern for the potential of future victims by persuading their client not to commit any future crimes. If the client isn't dangerous going forward, then keeping their checkered past a secret isn't endangering people. Thus, it is possible for a therapist to balance respect for confidentiality and concern for potential future victims.

   Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

   75%