Reading Passage Question
The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles of right and justice, on the broad fundamental distinctions between right and wrong, or as Montesquieu defines it, “on the principle that nations ought in time of peace to do each as much good, and in time of war as little harm as possible.” These are the principles from which any rule must be shown to spring, before it can be said to be a rule for international guidance. But what are the principles of right and wrong? These are not left to the individual reason of the interpreter of the law for the time being, but are to be decided by the public opinion of the civilized world, as it stands at the time when the case arises.
It may immediately be asked—How is that public opinion to be ascertained? The answer is—By ascertaining the differences in opinion between the present and the past. For this purpose it must be observed, that the views of a past age are easily ascertainable, in matters of law, from theoretical writings, history, and judicial decisions; and these views may be reduced to definition. Modern universal intelligence will either agree or disagree in these views. In the mass of instances it will agree, as progress on such points is at all times slow; and not only will the points of disagreement be few, but they will be salient, striking, and generally of popular notoriety. Present, universal, or international opinion, has therefore two portions. 1. That in which it accords with the views of a past generation, which has become historical. 2. That in which it differs from or contradicts those views.
“The Law of Nations is founded, I have said, on the general principles”- is a reading comprehension passage with answers for the GMAT. Candidates must have a strong understanding of English GMAT reading comprehension. This GMAT Reading Comprehension section contains three comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are intended to assess candidates' abilities to comprehend, analyze, and apply information or concepts. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions can help candidates actively prepare.
Solutions and Explanation
- Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the principles of right and wrong?
(A) They were first defined formally by Montesquieu
(B) They can only be arrived at by ascertaining the differences in opinion between the present and the past
(C) They play an important role in forming public opinion
(D) They are not decided by the views of any one individual in a position of authority
(E) Nations are free to agree or disagree with these principles
Answer: D
Explanation: The last few sentences of the first paragraph contain the solution. For the time being, these are not left up to the discretion of the law's interpreter. However, they must be decided by the public opinion in the developed world at the time the issue arises. The best option that can be inferred from this is the fourth option, which is the right answer.
- Based on the information in the passage, in which of the following situations would it become difficult to ascertain public opinion?
(A) If there was no consensus among the public on any issue
(B) If it was not possible to ascertain past public opinions with any degree of certainty
(C) If judicial decisions from the past were not readily available
(D) If the principles of natural justice were infringed upon
(E) If there was a general lack of intelligence among modern people
Answer: B
Explanation: The passage implies that determining the differences in opinions between the present and the past can be used to gauge public opinion. Ascertaining public opinion would be challenging if data on public opinion from the past were not available with certainty. Of all the options, the second option has the best correspondence to this and therefore it is the right answer.
- According to the passage, why is modern universal intelligence most likely to agree with the past views in the majority of the cases?
(A) There are few points of disagreement.
(B) These views are more likely to be notorious.
(C) Progress on such views is slow over time.
(D) These views are universal in nature.
(E) These views are the basis of the Law of Nations.
Answer: C
Explanation: The first option is a wrong answer because the question is asking about areas of agreement rather than areas of disagreement. The second option is invalid because it applies only to areas where there is disagreement. The fourth option cannot be inferred from the passage and is therefore invalid. The final option fails to explain why modern intelligence is generally likely to concur with historical views, so it is also invalid. As a result, the third option is the right answer.
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