The following text is from a political philosophy article.
Liberalism and communitarianism offer competing visions of individual-society relations. Liberals emphasize individual rights prior to social bonds; communitarians counter that personal identity is constituted through community membership. This debate traces to older tensions between Enlightenment universalism and Romantic particularism. Contemporary theorists increasingly seek syntheses acknowledging both individual autonomy and social embeddedness as essential to human flourishing.
What is the main purpose of the text?
To definitively resolve the liberal-communitarian debate
To outline a philosophical debate and note contemporary responses
To argue that liberalism is superior to communitarianism
To provide biographies of major political philosophers
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text outlines the debate (liberals vs. communitarians), provides historical context, and notes contemporary synthesis attempts.
- Evidence: The text outlines the debate: "Liberals emphasize... communitarians counter." It notes history: "traces to older tensions." It notes synthesis: "Contemporary theorists increasingly seek syntheses."
- Reasoning: The passage maps out a philosophical disagreement and its current evolution.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to outline debate and note responses.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Side A vs. Side B -> Try to combine them.
Choice A is incorrect because the debate isn't resolved. Choice C is incorrect because the text is balanced. Choice D is incorrect because biographies aren't provided.