Logical Reasoning

PT6 · S2 · Q21 Policy Adviser: Freedom of speech is

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Policy Adviser: Freedom of speech is not only a basic human right; it is also the only rational policy for this government to adopt.

Conclusion

Freedom of speech is the only rational policy for this government to adopt.

Evidence

Freedom of speech is a basic human right.

When ideas are openly aired, good ideas flourish, silly proposals are easily recognized as such, and dangerous ideas can be responded to by rational argument.

Nothing is ever gained by forcing citizens to disseminate their thoughts in secret.

Evaluate

This argument fits the Plan/Goal pattern, where the conclusion is recommending a policy (rational policy to adopt), implying that the goal is to create a society where good ideas can flourish, silly proposals are recognized, and dangerous ideas are countered rationally.

GIVEN freedom of speech's claimed benefits (flourishing of good ideas, recognition of silly proposals, rational responses to dangerous ideas), HOW COULD WE ARGUE that it is not the only rational policy for a government to adopt?

We must consider whether there are other factors or policies that might achieve similar outcomes, or if there are compelling reasons that might actually prevent freedom of speech from achieving these goals.

Goal

Let's find an answer that provides additional support for the idea that freedom of speech can bring about the desired results, or one that rules out the idea that other methods or policies could also do so.

21.

Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?

  1. Most citizens would tolerate some

    Opposite (if anything)

    This answer choice suggests that citizens might accept some limits on freedom of speech, which could actually undermine the argument that it is the only rational policy. It implies there might be acceptability around limiting free speech, which weakens the argument.

    2% picked this

  2. With or without a policy

    No Impact / No Distinction

    Since this answer applies to governments regardless of freedom of speech, it won't provide any way for us to argue that having freedom of speech is better than not having it.

    2% picked this

  3. Freedom of religion and freedom

    No Impact (Out of Scope)

    While freedom of religion and freedom of assembly are important rights, this answer does not directly strengthen the argument for freedom of speech being the only rational policy or relate to the benefits mentioned in the argument regarding ideas and speech.

    3% picked this

  4. Correct

    Governments are less likely to

    Why this is right

    This answer choice strengthens the argument by suggesting that governments adopting freedom of speech may lead to greater stability, such as being less likely to be overthrown. This outcome aligns with the policy adviser's claims that freedom of speech offers rational benefits to society, reinforcing its status as a logical policy choice. It has nothing really to do with the evidence or with the restrictive conclusion ("the only rational policy"). But it does say something good about freedom of speech, and that's our best available answer.

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

    89% picked this

  5. Great ideas have flourished in

    Opposite Impact

    The statement that great ideas have flourished in societies that repress free speech suggests that freedom of speech is not necessary for ideas to thrive. This directly contradicts the premise that freedom of speech is the only way to achieve this outcome, therefore weakening the argument.

    4% picked this

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