OpenSAT

Question #N1118

The author’s main point is that the most effective way to improve the quality of judicial opinions is to include a broader range of viewpoints. The author supports this point by highlighting the natural inclination of judges to cite philosophers whose views align with their own and then providing the contrasting view that the strongest judicial opinions consider and rebut potential objections. What is the most likely reason why the author contrasts the tendency of judges to cite like-minded philosophers with the view that the strongest judicial opinions consider a broader range of viewpoints?

The author contrasts the tendency of judges to cite like-minded philosophers with the view that the strongest judicial opinions consider a broader range of viewpoints in order to

A. provide an example of the author’s main point.

B. show the author’s position on the issue of judicial opinions.

C. explain the author’s perspective on how judges can improve the quality of their opinions.

D. illustrate the author’s concern about the potential for bias in judicial opinions.

Reveal Answer Go Back

Correct Answer is: D

The author’s purpose in contrasting these views is to illustrate the author’s concern about the potential for bias in judicial opinions. The author suggests that the strongest judicial opinions consider and rebut potential objections. This suggests that judges should not only cite philosophers whose views align with their own but also those who disagree with their views.