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X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond by believing that such accidents are becoming more frequent. This belief is irrational. After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases one's chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.
Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in people's sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Y's attempt to counter X's claim is best described by which of the following?
  • a)
    It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.
  • b)
    It makes apparent X's failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.
  • c)
    It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.
  • d)
    It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.
  • e)
    It challenges X's assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond ...
Y's response challenges X's claim by shifting the focus from the statistical probability of future accidents to the utility or practicality of people's beliefs and actions in response to rare but serious industrial accidents. While X argues that the belief in an increasing frequency of accidents is irrational, Y presents an alternative perspective.
Y argues that the belief is rational because it serves a purpose: it creates a heightened sense of danger and prompts individuals to take precautionary measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. Y suggests that the belief, even if statistically unfounded, has a practical utility in terms of promoting safety precautions and reducing the likelihood of future accidents.
By shifting the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility, Y challenges the sole reliance on statistical probability and acknowledges the role of human perception, behavior, and proactive measures in response to rare events. Y's response highlights the importance of subjective experiences, individual responses, and the potential benefits of beliefs that prompt precautionary actions, even if they do not align with statistical probabilities.
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In the year 1898, the United States made its earliest plunge into imperialism. For the first time, the nation secured overseas lands, dominions too thickly populated to be adapted for the purposes of colonization. By earlier conquests and purchases such as those of Louisiana, Florida, Texas, California, and New Mexico, the United States had secured relatively empty territories, which a flow of emigrants from the Eastern States of the US could rapidly Americanize. But in Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Hawaii, there was never a serious attempt to colonize on the part of the American citizens. The reasons behind these conquests were similar to the ones that led to the European partition of Africa in the 19th century. The year 1898 indeed represented a strong shift in the foreign policy.Even though in the years after the Civil War (1861-1865), Denmark offered to sell St. Thomas and St. Johns cheaply, the United States refused to purchase them, and declined to annex San Domingo or to entertain Swedens proposal to purchase its West Indian territory. In 1893, instead of annexing Hawaii, the US attempted to bolster up the sovereignty of the native Queen. Then suddenly Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam were annexed; Hawaii was incorporated and Samoa was divided with Germany. America finally abandoned isolationism for good.In part, this change in foreign policy was due to military considerations. The possession of Hawaii, Panama and Guantanamo in Cuba was obviously necessary for the defense of Americas coasts. Just as the Monroe Doctrine was intended to protect the country from the approach of great military powers, so these new acquisitions were desired to pre-empt close-lying bases, from which fleets in enemy possession could assail the countrys trade or cut off its communication. Such strategic considerations, however, do not explain the whole of the new imperialistic policy. Economic motives played a greater part. As a result of the Industrial Revolution, merchants had begun to think in terms of foreign markets and the US financiers in terms of foreign investments. The growing population had made increasing demands upon food products, leaving less to be exported, and at the same time exports of manufactures had increased. Many citizens believed that the United States could not afford to adhere to a policy of isolation while other nations were reaching out for the command of new markets.Which of the following best describes the purpose of the third paragraph of the passage?

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X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond by believing that such accidents are becoming more frequent. This belief is irrational. After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond by believing that such accidents are becoming more frequent. This belief is irrational. After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond by believing that such accidents are becoming more frequent. This belief is irrational. After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for X: When a rare but serious industrial accident occurs, people respond by believing that such accidents are becoming more frequent. This belief is irrational. After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. 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After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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After all, being dealt four aces in a hand of poker, a rare event, hardly increases ones chances of being dealt four aces in a future hand.Y: To the contrary, the belief is rational because it results in peoples sensing a danger to themselves not previously sensed and taking precautionary actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.Ys attempt to counter Xs claim is best described by which of the following?a)It questions the aptness of the analogy drawn by X.b)It makes apparent Xs failure to consider how people vary in their responses to a serious accident.c)It shifts the basis for judging rationality to considerations of utility.d)It offers an alternative explanation of why people form incorrect beliefs.e)It challenges Xs assumption that the occurrence of a single event is sufficient to change a belief.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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