Critical Reasoning

17. Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences, whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term. Moreover, desires are sometimes compulsions, and while ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
(A) the majority of people do not have compulsions.
(B) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
(C) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
(D) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
(E) All actions have long-term consequences.

Source: 300 questions with best answers.

Interesting question..

IMO B

Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.

But in the argument,it is specified desires are sometimes compulsions that offer no happiness when reached.

So option B is not true.

i am confused between B and E...below i have highlighted parts of argument which helped me to eliminate the answer
can anybody help

A the majority of people do not have compulsions.
"doing what one most strongly desires to do.......desires are sometimes compulsions"

B Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
"ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness...

C Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
"The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do"

D Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
"ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached"


E All actions have long-term consequences.

outreach wrote:i am confused between B and E...below i have highlighted parts of argument which helped me to eliminate the answer
can anybody help

A the majority of people do not have compulsions.
"doing what one most strongly desires to do.......desires are sometimes compulsions"

B Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
"ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness...

C Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
"The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do"

D Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
"ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached"


E All actions have long-term consequences.

Option E

All actions have long term consequences.

In the argument it is stated that" rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences,
whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term"

The philosopher believes that all actions have long term consequences but our is based on short term.

This is true.

Option B

Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.

In the argument it is stated that desire are sometimes compulsions.Replace desires with compulsions.

Attaining the goal of any compulsions results in momentary happiness.Is it true?NO
Because the conclusion specifies compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

Hope this clarify.

@bupbebeo : can u pm me the file with "Source: 300 questions with best answers."

bupbebeo wrote:17. Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences, whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term. Moreover, desires are sometimes compulsions, and while ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
(A) the majority of people do not have compulsions.
(B) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
(C) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
(D) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
(E) All actions have long-term consequences.

Source: 300 questions with best answers.

I chose B: Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.

This isn't true because of the case of compulsions. Compulsions fall under the category of desires and attaining such a goal does not result in happiness according to the author.

bupbebeo wrote:17. Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences, whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term. Moreover, desires are sometimes compulsions, and while ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
(A) the majority of people do not have compulsions.
(B) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
(C) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
(D) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
(E) All actions have long-term consequences.

Source: 300 questions with best answers.

what is the OA for this argument,
is B correct ? i chose B