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Greeks

by gmatmachoman » Sun Jan 31, 2010 3:47 am
. Greek tragedy, one of the enduring pillars of our belief system, dramatized the concept that the misfortune a person suffers is not an accident, but rather a logical outcome of flaws in that person's nature; the misfortune is thus that person's "fault." Nonetheless, today the public broadly supports bankruptcy protection, family welfare and other "social safety net" programs that shield the destitute in the face of their hardships, at taxpayer expense.

Which of the following, if true, would best resolve the paradox in the statements above?

"¢ The ancient Greeks had few, if any, such social safety net programs in their
society.

"¢ The majority of the public is more familiar with the works of Shakespeare
than those of Greek tragedy.

"¢ Some people insist that society, not the individual, is to blame for most
accidents.

"¢ Many people in financial difficulties feel too ashamed to declare bankruptcy
or to take advantage of other social safety net programs.

"¢ The religions practiced by most people today strongly encourage people to
contribute to charities that assist innocent people injured in natural disasters,
such as hurricanes.

OA and explanation will follow ...
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by scoobydooby » Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:10 am
would go with C. explains another school of thought-which holds the society responsible for the misfortunes and therefore the support for safety net programs.
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by ajith » Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:19 am
This is a funny question, the paradox is a school of thought in the past contrasted with what is practiced in the present.

I think A resolves it by contrasting past with past saying, the school of thought was indeed followed by greeks

IMO A
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by fibbonnaci » Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:57 pm
whats the paradox involved?

Before, ie in ancient times misfortunes were considered people's fault but today people support other's misfortunes sometimes at the expense of their money.

Why does this paradox occur? the answer that you select must explain both sides of the paradox. giving a valid reason for just one side of the paradox does not resolve it.

A) The ancient Greeks had few, if any, such social safety net programs in their society. [ this explains only one side of the paradox.If the greeks believed in these programs they would have established them long time back. the non existence of such programs shows that they didnt believe in these programs. this by no way explains why such a drastic shift occured in the society. Eliminated!]

B) The majority of the public is more familiar with the works of Shakespeare than those of Greek tragedy. [ works of shakespeare has got nothing to do with the stimulus. Eliminated!]

C) Some people insist that society, not the individual, is to blame for most accidents. [ does this answer why there has been a shift? some people implies atleast 1. lets say one person feels that society is to be blamed for accidents. will what one person think resolve the paradox?? Eliminated!]

D) Many people in financial difficulties feel too ashamed to declare bankruptcy or to take advantage of other social safety net programs. [ if they dont avail such programs then how come these programs reach out? how does that tell why the shift occured from ancient greek- person at fault kinda thinking to the present one? Eliminated!]

E) The religions practiced by most people today strongly encourage people to contribute to charities that assist innocent people injured in natural disasters, such as hurricanes. [Bingo! this explains the reason for the shift. down the line, religions encourage people to reach out and hence they do. My answer]

Hope this helps!
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