Question

A moot question to be considered is whether democratic form of government is boon or bane, no matter what Lincoln might or might not have said. Rather his most (in?) famous adage, ‘by the people, for the people and of the people’ misses the most pertinent question; which attitude works behind when a person declares that he is a (or the right?) candidate to serve the people, and does not hesitate to contest and fight tooth and nail the election, an euphemism for battle with or without bullets. Admittedly, the convert attitude is different from overt attitude. Hardly anyone contests the election unwillingly. A contestant is not persuaded by any one, but driven by his own passions and dubious motives. Contrast this picture with Socrates' version; no honest man willingly takes up the job of ruler. If at all he accepts, he does so for fear of being ruled by one made up of inferior mettle. It is beyond even the wildest imagination, to expect an honest person to contest the election. Assuming that every statement is true, identify from among the given alternatives the one which strictly follows from the passage.

• A. No assessment of democracy is possible
• B. Lincoln and Socrates are talking differently
• C. Socrates scores over Lincoln on this issue
• D. Rulers can be honest

Hint:

If the passage explicitly privileges one view (“misses the question” vs a more penetrating view), the correct inference will state that comparative evaluation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Extract the author’s stance. He says Lincoln’s maxim “misses the most pertinent question” (motivation), while Socrates’ analysis of candidacy motives is more realistic.
Step 2: Deduce the conclusion. On the issue at hand (motives behind seeking office), Socrates’ position is judged superior. Hence \(\boxed{(c)}\). (a) is unwarranted; (b) is true but trivial; (d) does not follow from the skeptical tone about motives.