Text 1: Philosopher Dr. Mary Long defends value pluralism. "Multiple, sometimes conflicting values are equally fundamental," Long argues. "No single principle resolves all ethical dilemmas. Tragic choices between genuine goods are real."
Text 2: Utilitarian Dr. Kevin Chen offers a unifying principle. "Expected well-being provides a common currency for value comparison," Chen contends. "When values conflict, we should maximize aggregate welfare. Pluralism exaggerates incommensurability."
What do Long and Chen disagree about regarding ethical conflict?
Whether values exist at all
Whether a single principle can resolve conflicts between different values
Whether ethics is a legitimate discipline
Whether people ever face decisions
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Long denies any single principle resolves all conflicts—genuine pluralism. Chen claims expected well-being provides resolution—monism through a unifying metric.
- Evidence: Long: "No single principle resolves all"; Chen: welfare provides "common currency."
- Reasoning: The dispute is about whether ultimate resolution is possible.
- Conclusion: Single-principle resolution is the core disagreement.
Choice A is incorrect because both accept values exist. Choice C is incorrect because both do ethics. Choice D is incorrect because both discuss decisions.