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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Q.24 Five jumbled up sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.
1. Animals have an interest in fulfilling their basic needs, but also in avoiding suffering, and thus we ought to extend moral consideration.
2. Singer viewed himself as a utilitarian, and presents a direct moral theory concerning animal rights, in contrast to indirect positions, such as welfarist views.
3. He argued for extending moral consideration to animals because, similar to humans, animals have certain significant interest.
4. The event that publicly announced animal rights as a legitimate issue within contemporary philosophy was Peter Singerâs Animal Liberation text in 1975.
5. As such, we ought to view their interests alongside and equal to human interests, which results in humans having direct moral duties towards animals.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation by Wordpandit:
The central theme of the paragraph is Peter Singerâs contribution to animal rights philosophy, particularly as outlined in his influential 1975 book Animal Liberation. The paragraph flows logically from introducing Singer's role, to explaining his philosophical stance, and finally to presenting the implications of his argument.
The correct sequenceâ4 â 2 â 3 â 5âbuilds a cohesive discussion around Singerâs utilitarian ethics and their influence on the moral treatment of animals.
Option-by-Option Analysis:
- Option 4: Introductory Sentence. This establishes the topic by referencing Animal Liberation, which marked a major shift in the philosophical treatment of animal rights. It serves as the anchor for the paragraph.
- Option 2: Follows the Introduction. It gives context about Singer's ethical framework, explaining that he is a utilitarian and how his views differ from welfarist or indirect approaches to animal welfare.
- Option 3: Expands the Argument. This sentence presents Singerâs reasoning: that animals have interests, just like humans, and this forms the basis for moral consideration.
- Option 5: Conclusion of the Argument. It ties the argument together, stating the consequence of recognizing animal interestsânamely, that humans have direct moral duties toward animals.
- Option 1: While this sentence also discusses animal interests and moral consideration, it does so in a general, impersonal tone, not tied specifically to Singer or his utilitarian framework. It reads more like a general principle about animal ethics, making it disconnected from the tightly focused sequence on Peter Singerâs contributions.
Conclusion:
The paragraph is specifically about Peter Singer's philosophical stance on animal rights. Sentence 1, though thematically related, lacks reference to Singer and does not integrate into the structured argument presented by the other four. Therefore, Sentence 1 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Liberation
Context:
"The event that publicly announced animal rights as a legitimate issue within contemporary philosophy was Peter Singerâs *Animal Liberation* text in 1975." - Academic Reference on Animal Rights Movement
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "liberation" refers to the act of setting someone or something free from restrictions, oppression, or bondage. In the context of philosophy or activism, it often pertains to freeing groupsâsuch as animals, women, or marginalized communitiesâfrom societal injustices. Peter Singer's influential book used the term to highlight the ethical necessity of freeing animals from human exploitation, helping to shape modern discussions around animal rights.
Meaning: The act of setting someone or something free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression (Noun)
Pronunciation: lib-uh-RAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: Derived from Latin *liberatio*, from *liberare* meaning "to set free."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a foundational term in both political and ethical discussions. Always associate "liberation" with a context where freedom is being restored or demandedâwhether for people, ideas, or even animals as in Singerâs work. Often used in ideological and philosophical contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: emancipation, release, freedom, rescue, deliverance
Antonyms: captivity, oppression, imprisonment, subjugation
Usage Examples:
- The liberation of the prisoners brought joy and relief to their families.
- Many movements throughout history have fought for the liberation of oppressed peoples.
- Yoga is seen by some as a path to spiritual liberation from worldly distractions.
- Animal liberation challenges humans to rethink their treatment of other species.
Cultural Reference:
"Liberation is not deliverance." - Victor Hugo. This quote emphasizes that true freedom goes beyond just being released from bondageâit also means living with dignity and rights. - *Les MisĂ©rables*
Think About It:
Can any form of true liberation exist without also addressing systemic structures that cause oppression?
Quick Activity:
List three liberation movements from history or modern times. Identify what or who was being liberated and from what.
Memory Tip:
Think of âliberationâ as âliberate + actionâ â itâs the act of liberating something or someone.
Real-World Application:
âLiberationâ is frequently used in social sciences, activism, psychology, and theology. Whether discussing national independence, gender equality, or spiritual freedom, it represents a powerful call to break free from constraint.
Word-2: Utilitarian
Context:
"Singer viewed himself as a utilitarian, and presents a direct moral theory concerning animal rights, in contrast to indirect positions, such as welfarist views." - Academic Reference on Peter Singer's Philosophy
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Utilitarian" refers to someone who follows the ethical philosophy of utilitarianismâa theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness or well-being for the greatest number of beings. In Peter Singerâs work, utilitarianism forms the foundation of his arguments for animal rights, emphasizing that moral decisions should reduce suffering and increase well-being, regardless of species. Utilitarians assess the consequences of actions to determine their moral value.
Meaning: A person who believes in or advocates utilitarianismâthe doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority (Noun/Adjective)
Pronunciation: yoo-til-ih-TAIR-ee-uhn
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *utilitas* meaning "usefulness," combined with the English suffix *-arian*
Prashant Sir's Notes:
One of the most foundational terms in moral philosophy. Itâs crucial to link âutilitarianâ with the idea of maximum good or benefitâoften used when discussing ethical decisions in healthcare, economics, or activism. Singer is a classic example of a modern-day utilitarian thinker.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: pragmatic, practical, consequentialist, functional
Antonyms: idealist, sentimentalist, deontologist, impractical
Usage Examples:
- A utilitarian might argue that sacrificing one to save many is morally justifiable.
- Her utilitarian approach to problem-solving often prioritized efficiency over emotion.
- Public health policies are frequently based on utilitarian calculations of maximum benefit.
- Peter Singer is a well-known utilitarian who advocates for animal rights based on minimizing suffering.
Cultural Reference:
"The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation." - Jeremy Bentham, founder of modern utilitarianism.
Think About It:
Should individual rights ever be sacrificed for the greater good? Where should a utilitarian draw the line?
Quick Activity:
Think of a controversial moral dilemma (e.g., self-driving car accidents). Would a utilitarian and a rights-based thinker arrive at the same conclusion? Why or why not?
Memory Tip:
Think "utility" = "useful" â A utilitarian believes in what's useful for the most people.
Real-World Application:
Utilitarian reasoning is widely applied in policymaking, healthcare ethics (like triage), environmental decisions, and even AI design, where maximizing benefit and minimizing harm is the guiding principle.
Word-3: Welfarist
Context:
"Singer viewed himself as a utilitarian, and presents a direct moral theory concerning animal rights, in contrast to indirect positions, such as welfarist views." - Academic Reference on Peter Singer's Philosophy
Explanatory Paragraph:
A âwelfaristâ is someone who supports policies or perspectives focused on improving the well-being or welfare of individualsâoften without fundamentally changing the systems in place. In the context of animal rights, welfarists aim to ensure animals are treated more humanely, but do not necessarily challenge the idea of using animals for food, research, or labor. This view differs from utilitarian or abolitionist perspectives, which may argue for the complete cessation of animal use due to moral concerns.
Meaning: A person who advocates for or supports improvements in welfare, especially concerning humane treatment within existing systems (Noun)
Pronunciation: WELL-fair-ist
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From âwelfareâ (Old English *wel faran*, meaning âto fare wellâ) + the suffix *-ist* denoting one who practices or believes in something
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key contrast word in ethical debates, especially in animal rights. A welfarist wants better conditions (e.g., larger cages), not necessarily an end to animal use. Useful for comparative thinkingâespecially when analyzing moral gradations in activism.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: reformist, humanitarian, caretaker, social advocate
Antonyms: abolitionist (in some contexts), neglector, exploitative thinker
Usage Examples:
- The organization took a welfarist approach, campaigning for better conditions in factory farms.
- Welfarist policies aim to alleviate suffering without dismantling the underlying system.
- While many praised her reforms, critics argued they were merely welfarist and not transformative.
- He contrasted abolitionist and welfarist strategies in the fight for animal rights.
Cultural Reference:
The debate between animal welfarists and abolitionists was popularized through the works of philosophers like Peter Singer and Gary Francione, highlighting the ethical divide in animal advocacy movements. - Animal Ethics Discourse
Think About It:
Can incremental welfarist reforms eventually lead to transformative ethical change, or do they reinforce the status quo?
Quick Activity:
List one real-world policy or campaign you think is welfarist. Then, rewrite it as if you were an abolitionist. What changes?
Memory Tip:
Think âwelfaristâ = âwelfare + activistâ â someone fighting for better treatment, not necessarily radical change.
Real-World Application:
Welfarist perspectives are common in government policies, NGO work, and corporate responsibility initiativesâwhere the focus is on gradual, humane improvements within existing systems, whether itâs labor conditions, animal treatment, or healthcare access.
Word-4: Legitimate
Context:
"The event that publicly announced animal rights as a legitimate issue within contemporary philosophy was Peter Singerâs Animal Liberation text in 1975." - Academic Reference on Animal Rights Movement
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âlegitimateâ describes something that is lawful, justified, or recognized as valid. In philosophical or academic discussions, it means a topic or concern that is accepted as serious and worthy of consideration. In the context of Singerâs work, calling animal rights a âlegitimate issueâ signaled its acceptance into serious moral and political discourse, moving it from the fringes to the mainstream.
Meaning: Recognized as proper, valid, or acceptable; lawful or justifiable (Adjective)
Pronunciation: luh-JIT-uh-mit
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *legitimus*, meaning "lawful," from *lex*, "law"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âLegitimateâ is a very flexible wordâuseful in academic writing, debates, and legal contexts. Whether talking about a childâs parentage, a reason for action, or the importance of a topic, it always implies official or moral acceptance. Common in critical reasoning questions too!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: valid, justifiable, lawful, accepted, proper
Antonyms: invalid, unjustified, unlawful, false, fake
Usage Examples:
- The court recognized his claim as legitimate and granted compensation.
- She raised a legitimate concern about the safety of the new procedure.
- Only legitimate businesses are allowed to operate in this zone.
- Animal rights became a legitimate area of philosophical inquiry after Singerâs book.
Cultural Reference:
"Power is not legitimate when it is imposed without consent." â A core idea in political philosophy, seen in the works of John Locke and later echoed in democracy movements worldwide.
Think About It:
Who gets to decide what counts as a âlegitimateâ issue in societyâand what voices are excluded in that process?
Quick Activity:
Identify one current social issue and argue in 2-3 sentences why it is a legitimate concern that deserves public attention.
Memory Tip:
Think âlegit = real or acceptedâ â If something is legitimate, it's officially accepted or justified.
Real-World Application:
âLegitimateâ is commonly used in law, politics, education, and even informal conversation (e.g., âThatâs a legit excuseâ). It adds credibility to ideas, actions, or people by indicating they are accepted or justified.
Word-5: Fulfilling
Context:
"Animals have an interest in fulfilling their basic needs, but also in avoiding suffering, and thus we ought to extend moral consideration." - Ethical Discussion on Animal Rights
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Fulfilling" refers to the act of satisfying or meeting a requirement, need, or desire. It can apply to both physical and emotional statesâsuch as fulfilling hunger or a life goal. In the sentence, animals are described as having an interest in meeting their basic physical and psychological needs. Recognizing this is part of understanding why animals deserve ethical consideration.
Meaning: Satisfying or meeting a need, requirement, or desire (Adjective/Verb - present participle of âfulfillâ)
Pronunciation: ful-FILL-ing
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Old English *fullfyllan*, meaning âto fill up completelyâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Very useful word across contextsâwhether in describing needs, responsibilities, or emotional experiences. âFulfillingâ also commonly appears in moral, psychological, and professional discussions. Donât confuse it with âfull-fillingâ (two separate words, which would be incorrect).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: satisfying, rewarding, gratifying, completing
Antonyms: disappointing, frustrating, unfulfilling, neglecting
Usage Examples:
- Volunteering at the shelter was a deeply fulfilling experience.
- The program focuses on fulfilling studentsâ educational and emotional needs.
- Fulfilling oneâs duties with integrity earns lasting respect.
- Animals rely on fulfilling their instinctual needs to live healthy lives.
Cultural Reference:
Maslowâs Hierarchy of Needs emphasizes the importance of fulfilling both basic and psychological needs for human well-beingâa concept now often extended to animal welfare discussions.
Think About It:
Is living a fulfilling life more about external achievements or internal peace? Can animals be said to live fulfilling lives under human care?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using âfulfillingâ in the context of a personal goal, then rewrite it in the context of an animalâs natural behavior.
Memory Tip:
Think of âfulfillingâ as âfull + fillingâ â something that fills your needs or desires completely.
Real-World Application:
Used across disciplinesâfrom psychology and philosophy to marketing and educationâto express when a need or desire has been successfully satisfied. A fulfilling job, for instance, goes beyond a paycheck to offer meaning or personal growth.
