PrepTest 102, Section 1, Question 22
Scientists typically advocate the analytic method of studying(435 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(10 more words not shown)
- ABy calling into(24 more words not shown)
- BOrganicists did not(30 more words not shown)
- COrganicism is flawed(27 more words not shown)
- DOrganicism does not(27 more words not shown)
- EIn criticizing the(26 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted the central judgment: organicism gives us no valid reason to reject the analytic method. Its supporting theory has problems, and its criticism misrepresents how the analytic method works.
What we’re looking for
This question asks for the most complete summary of the argument. We want both reasons behind that judgment, rather than an answer that accurately describes only one objection.
Working the answers
- A
This leaves out the author's negative judgment of organicism. It also misstates the organicists' complaint: they worried about losing complexity by isolating parts, not about the possibility of studying a whole system.
- B
The distinction between defining and accompanying characteristics is one criticism of the supporting theory. This leaves out the knowledge problem and the misunderstanding of the analytic method.
- C
This captures both objections to internal relations: not every property defines an entity, and the theory makes knowledge impossible. But it misses the final paragraph's separate criticism that organicists misrepresent the method they reject. It is accurate as far as it goes, but incomplete.
- DCorrect
“Faulty theory” covers the problems with internal relations; “misrepresentation” covers the mistaken claim that analytic scientists study parts in full isolation. Together they explain the conclusion that organicists offered “no valid reason” to reject the analytic method. Both strands of our prediction are here.
- E
This identifies a failure discussed near the end. It doesn't capture the problems with the supporting theory or the overall judgment about organicism's challenge. One true supporting point is not the complete argument.
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