Q. Nothing can exist in a natural state,
which can be called good or bad by common assent, since every man who is in natural state consults only his own advantage, and determines what is good or bad according to his own fancy and insofar as he has regard for his own advantage alone, and holds himself responsible to no one save himself by any law; and therefore sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only a civil state, which is decreed by common consent what is good or bad, and each one holds himself responsible to the state.
Q 1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage given above?
(a) The conceptions of what is right or wrong exist due to the formation of a state.
(b) Unless a ruling authority decides as to what is right or wrong, no man would be morally right.
(c) Man is inherently immoral and selfish in a natural state.
(d) The idea of what is right or wrong is necessary for the survival of human species.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – (a) The conceptions of what is right or wrong exist due to the formation of a state.
Explanation –
(a) “The conceptions of what is right or wrong exist due to the formation of a state.” This option reflects the central idea of the passage that in a natural state, individuals determine what is good or bad according to their own fancy and sin cannot be conceived. It is only in a civil state where common consent decrees what is good or bad.
(b) “Unless a ruling authority decides as to what is right or wrong, no man would be morally right.” This option suggests that without a ruling authority to determine what is right or wrong, individuals would not be able to act morally. However, this idea is not explicitly stated in the passage.
(c) “Man is inherently immoral and selfish in a natural state.” This option suggests that individuals are inherently immoral and selfish when they are in a natural state. While the passage does mention that individuals consult only their own advantage in a natural state, it does not explicitly state that they are inherently immoral or selfish.
(d) “The idea of what is right or wrong is necessary for the survival of human species.” This option suggests that having an understanding of what is right and wrong is necessary for human survival. However, this idea is not mentioned in the passage.