In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
That is why publicly invoking these symbols has to be an act of responsible citizenship and not self-serving demagoguery, but the difference can be hard to tell. The problem with emotive symbols is that though they can multiply the force of arguments, they cannot replace the arguments themselves debated. All persuasion harnesses symbols but principled persuasion must also provide arguments that can be _________ debated.
- Aabsurdly
- Bcarefully
- Crationally
- Dfriendly
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
The text contrasts emotional appeal (emotive symbols) with structural reasoning ("principled persuasion").
To counteract pure emotion, arguments must be evaluated in an analytical, logical, and reasonable manner. Therefore, they must be arguments that can be rationally debated.
To counteract pure emotion, arguments must be evaluated in an analytical, logical, and reasonable manner. Therefore, they must be arguments that can be rationally debated.