How Does Mencius Respond to the Supposed Counterexample to the Principle

question 54

Multiple Choice

How does Mencius respond to the supposed counterexample to the principle that unrelated men and women should not touch each other's hands?

• A) By accepting that, counterintuitive as it may seem, it would be better for Mencius to let his sister-in-law drown than to dishonor her by touching her.
• B) By revising the principle to include relatives by marriage in the group of people whose hands a person may touch.
• C) By explaining that, in the case described in the counterexample, his obligation to save another's life would take priority over his obligation not to touch an unrelated woman's hand.
• D) By describing the historical case of Bo Yi, who refused to dishonor himself even at great cost to himself or others.

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Definitions:

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, at the expense of flexibility and efficiency.

Obsessions

Uncontrollable, persistent thoughts, images, ideas, or impulses that an individual feels intrude on his or her consciousness and that cause significant anxiety or distress.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels he or she must perform.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by a long-standing pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection, leading to social inhibition and avoidance of social interactions.