Question

Directions for sentence exclusion: Five sentences are given below; out of these, four come together to form a coherent paragraph, but one sentence does not fit into the sequence. Choose the sentence that does not fit into the sequence.

• A. The care with which philosophers examine arguments for and against forms of biotechnology makes this an excellent primer on formulating and assessing moral arguments.
• B. Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate why: what is wrong with re-engineering our nature?
• C. Breakthroughs in genetics present us with the promise that we will soon be able to prevent a host of debilitating diseases, and the predicament that our newfound genetic knowledge may enable us to enhance our genetic traits.
• D. To grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions that verge on theology, which is why modern philosophers and political theorists tend to shrink from them.
• E. One argument is that the drive for human perfection through genetics is objectionable as it represents a bid for mastery that fails to appreciate the gifts of human powers and achievements.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this problem, we need to identify the sentence that does not fit into the sequential flow of a coherent paragraph. Let’s analyze each sentence:

1. Sentence 1: "Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate why: what is wrong with re-engineering our nature?"

This sentence introduces the general apprehension about genetic engineering and sets the tone for the ethical questions that follow.

1. Sentence 2: "Breakthroughs in genetics present us with the promise that we will soon be able to prevent a host of debilitating diseases, and the predicament that our newfound genetic knowledge may enable us to enhance our genetic traits."

This sentence discusses the dual implications of genetic breakthroughs — preventing diseases and enhancing genetic traits — both of which are key ethical concerns.

1. Sentence 3: "To grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions that verge on theology, which is why modern philosophers and political theorists tend to shrink from them."

This sentence introduces the difficulty of addressing the ethical concerns surrounding genetic enhancement, linking them to theology and philosophy.

1. Sentence 4: "One argument is that the drive for human perfection through genetics is objectionable as it represents a bid for mastery that fails to appreciate the gifts of human powers and achievements."

This sentence provides a specific ethical objection to genetic enhancement, focusing on the idea of mastery and human limitations.

1. Sentence 5: "The care with which philosophers examine arguments for and against forms of biotechnology makes this an excellent primer on formulating and assessing moral arguments."

This sentence shifts the focus to a more general discussion about the role of philosophers in assessing moral arguments, which is not directly tied to the discussion of genetic enhancement.

Analysis:

• Sentence 1: Introduces the general apprehension about genetic engineering.
• Sentence 2: Discusses the implications of genetic breakthroughs and their dual nature (prevention and enhancement).
• Sentence 3: Explains the need to confront ethical questions, linking to theology.
• Sentence 4: Presents a specific ethical objection related to the pursuit of genetic enhancement.
• Sentence 5: Shifts the focus to philosophical examination of biotechnology, not directly related to genetic enhancement.

Conclusion:

While sentences 1-4 discuss the ethical issues surrounding genetic engineering and enhancement, sentence 5 diverges by focusing on the general philosophical approach to biotechnology rather than the specific debate on enhancement. Therefore, sentence 5 does not fit in the sequence.

The sentence that does not fit is:

"The care with which philosophers examine arguments for and against forms of biotechnology makes this an excellent primer on formulating and assessing moral arguments."