The over-whelming preponderance of people have not freely decided what to believe, but, rather, have been socially conditioned (indoctrinated) into their beliefs. They are unreflective thinkers. Which of the following statements CANNOT be concluded from the excerpt?
Things that we do automatically need to be reflected upon
A lot of people end up believing what they passionately oppose
Beliefs that appear normal and natural heighten their acceptance
A normal thinker finds it difficult to recognize what is happening to them
The inability to criticize one’s belief leads to indoctrination
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The Correct Option isB
Approach Solution - 1
The given excerpt analyzes the notion that many people hold beliefs that are more a result of social conditioning than personal decision-making. This process is described as a form of indoctrination, leading to individuals being "unreflective thinkers." Let's evaluate each option to determine which statement cannot be concluded from the excerpt.
Things that we do automatically need to be reflected upon: The excerpt suggests that people are "unreflective thinkers" and there is an implication that reflection on one's beliefs is needed. This can be concluded from the given excerpt.
A lot of people end up believing what they passionately oppose: The excerpt states that people are indoctrinated into their beliefs rather than freely choosing them. However, it doesn't mention that people end up believing something they are against or oppose. This statement introduces a contradiction that is not supported by the passage. Therefore, it cannot be concluded from the excerpt.
Beliefs that appear normal and natural heighten their acceptance: The excerpt’s focus on "socially conditioned" beliefs suggests that such beliefs become normalized, making them more readily accepted by individuals. This statement can be concluded from the excerpt.
A normal thinker finds it difficult to recognize what is happening to them: Since the excerpt denotes people as "unreflective thinkers," it aligns with the idea that individuals may struggle to see how their beliefs are socially conditioned. This conclusion is consistent with the excerpt.
The inability to criticize one’s belief leads to indoctrination: The notion of being "unreflective thinkers" implies a lack of self-criticism or evaluation of one’s beliefs, which aligns with indoctrination. Thus, this statement can be concluded from the excerpt.
Upon analysis, option A lot of people end up believing what they passionately oppose is the statement that cannot be concluded from the excerpt. The excerpt discusses the effect of social conditioning on beliefs but does not imply that people believe what they passionately oppose.
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Approach Solution -2
The passage highlights two main points:
Most people do not freely choose their beliefs but are socially conditioned.
They are unreflective thinkers, i.e., they don’t critically analyze their beliefs.
From this, the following can be concluded:
(1) is reasonable: automatic/unquestioned habits need reflection.
(3) is supported: when beliefs feel “normal and natural,” they are more readily accepted.
(4) is valid: unreflective thinkers don’t recognize their conditioning.
(5) is also valid: inability to criticize one’s own beliefs leads to indoctrination.
However, (2) is not supported. The excerpt does not suggest that people end up believing what they passionately oppose; rather, it says they accept beliefs without reflection. There is no mention of “passionate opposition.”
Thus, the statement that cannot be concluded is:
\[ \boxed{\text{A lot of people end up believing what they passionately oppose}} \]
