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Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons):\nAssertion (A): “Religion is the opium of the people.”\nReason (R1): Opium is soothing.\nReason (R2): Religion is good.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: If only reason 1 (R1) and not reason 2 (R2) is the reason for the assertion (A).

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The assertion paraphrases a famous metaphor likening religion’s social/psychological role to opium’s palliative effects. We must decide which reason best captures that metaphorical linkage.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • (A) Religion functions like “opium” for people.
  • (R1) Opium is soothing (palliative, pain-dulling).
  • (R2) Religion is good (a moral value claim).


Concept / Approach:
The metaphor emphasizes comfort/soothing/escape from hardship—not a moral evaluation. Thus a statement about opium’s palliative feature aligns; a blanket moral valuation does not address the analogy’s mechanism.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) (R1) captures the operative aspect of the metaphor—soothing or numbing pain (psychological relief).2) (R2) asserts “goodness,” which neither explains the metaphor nor follows from it; the metaphor is descriptive/critical rather than a moral endorsement.3) Therefore only (R1) supports (A).


Verification / Alternative check:
Readings of the phrase stress relief/escapism elements rather than a moral appraisal.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(b) elevates an irrelevant moral claim; (c) includes (R2) without justification; (d) denies the aptness of (R1); (e) hedges needlessly.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing descriptive metaphors with moral judgments; reading “opium” as praise.


Final Answer:
Option A: Only (R1) explains the assertion.

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