Question

All of the following statements can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT that:

• A. utopian and dystopian societies are twins, the progeny of the same parents.
• B. utopian societies exist in a long tradition of literature dealing with imaginary people practicing imaginary customs, in imaginary worlds.
• C. many conceptions of utopian societies emphasise the importance of social uniformity and cultural homogeneity.
• D. it is possible to see utopias as dystopias, with a change in perspective, because oneperson’s utopia could be seen as another’s dystopia.
• A. The regulation of homogeneity through promoting competitive heterogeneity.
• B. A society where public power is earned through merit rather than through privilege.
• C. Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare.
• D. A society without any laws to restrain one’s individuality.
• A. in More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable.
• B. there have been thousands of communities where homogeneity and stability have been achieved through choice, rather than by force.
• C. in early modern utopianism, the stability of utopian societies was seen to be achieved only with individuals surrendering their sense of self.
• D. the tradition of utopian literature has often shown societies in which it would be nearly impossible for anyone to be sinful or criminal
• A. Relentless transparency – Homogeneity – Utopia – Dystopia.
• B. Utopia – Security – Dystopia – Coercion.
• C. Curtailment of privacy – Dystopia – Utopia – Intentional community.
• D. Utopia – Security – Homogeneity – Intentional community.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks which statement cannot be inferred from the passage provided. We need to analyze each option in the context of the passage to determine which statement is not supported by the text. 

1. Utopian and dystopian societies are twins, the progeny of the same parents. - The passage mentions: "it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed...they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents." This statement directly supports the option, so it can be inferred.

2. Utopian societies exist in a long tradition of literature dealing with imaginary people practicing imaginary customs, in imaginary worlds. - This idea aligns with the passage's discussion of how utopian literature and practices have developed over time, especially in early modern utopianism. Therefore, it can be inferred from the passage.

3. Many conceptions of utopian societies emphasize the importance of social uniformity and cultural homogeneity. - The passage discusses how these societies often prize unity, order, and homogeneity at the expense of individuality and diversity. Consequently, this statement is supported by the passage.

4. It is possible to see utopias as dystopias, with a change in perspective, because one person’s utopia could be seen as another’s dystopia. - The passage suggests that utopias and dystopias share similarities and mentions security being achieved at the cost of personal freedoms, implying that they can be perceived as one or the other depending on perspective. This inference is valid.

Since all the other statements can be gleaned from the passage except the first option about utopian and dystopian societies being twins, it appears to be an explicit concept directly mentioned rather than inferred. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Answer 2

The passage provides a detailed description of utopian societies, highlighting features such as relentless transparency, repression of variety, curtailment of privacy, and regulation of passions. It emphasizes harmony achieved through institutions and cultural norms, where individuality is often sacrificed for order and unity. The characteristics of utopian societies involve restraining needs and emulation, minimizing inequalities, and promoting homogeneity. 
The passage also explores the intersection between utopia and dystopia, noting they might share similar elements, specifically in how order and security are maintained at the expense of individuality and diversity. One key characteristic is extensive institutional control to ensure security and welfare, reflecting utopian ideals.
Given this context, let's review the options and find the characteristic of a utopian society:

• The regulation of homogeneity through promoting competitive heterogeneity. This contradicts the idea of a utopian society as these societies often reduce individual differences and promote uniformity.
• A society where public power is earned through merit rather than through privilege. While potentially positive, this doesn't align with the described utopian characteristic of controlling power desires.
• Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare. This aligns with the passage's theme of transparency, control, and security.
• A society without any laws to restrain one’s individuality. This contradicts the emphasis on rules and norms prevailing in utopian societies.

The correct answer is Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare. This reflects the passage's description of how utopian societies maintain order and security.

 

Answer 3

To answer the question regarding which argument is NOT made in the passage, we must evaluate each option against the content mentioned in the passage:

1. in More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable.
2. there have been thousands of communities where homogeneity and stability have been achieved through choice, rather than by force.
3. in early modern utopianism, the stability of utopian societies was seen to be achieved only with individuals surrendering their sense of self.
4. the tradition of utopian literature has often shown societies in which it would be nearly impossible for anyone to be sinful or criminal.

Upon examining the passage:

• Option 1: The passage does mention More’s time as a period of "plenty and security," indicating that restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. Thus, this argument is made in the passage.
• Option 2: The passage speaks about "thousands of successful intentional communities" where harmony without coercion is achieved, thus supporting this argument.
• Option 3: The passage discusses how early modern utopias require individuals to become more alike, leading to a loss of individuality, which aligns with the surrendering of the sense of self, supporting this argument.
• Option 4: The passage covers the portrayal of societies where individuals avoid wickedness due to established practices and societal norms, supporting this argument.

Since all arguments are made in the passage except for the phrasing of option 1, which is misleading in this context, the correct answer is:

"in More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable."

Answer 4

The passage presents a juxtaposition of utopia and dystopia, where utopian ideals are laced with restrictions and loss of individuality. Key points from the passage include:

• Utopian societies offer plenty and security, yet impose restrictions like lack of privacy, uniformity, and obligatory societal norms.
• Modern readers might view such utopian principles as embodying elements of a dystopia due to the curtailment of personal freedom and self-expression.
• Historical and literary explorations of utopias (e.g., Campanella's "The City of the Sun") highlight enforced commonality, regulated personal relations, and minimized distinctions, leading to homogeneity.
• The passage suggests a relationship between utopia and dystopia, highlighting that both share restrictive characteristics.
• However, it also acknowledges that utopian ideals can be realized in intentional communities where participation and adherence to norms are consensual, and harmony is achieved without coercion.

Considering these insights, the sequence "Utopia – Security – Homogeneity – Intentional community" best captures the narrative of the passage. The passage outlines utopian principles, notes their security, describes resulting homogeneity, and contrasts this with intentional communities where such principles thrive without coercion.