PrepTest 102, Section 1, Question 26
Scientists typically advocate the analytic method of studying(435 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(16 more words not shown)
- AAn adequate theory(13 more words not shown)
- BAn acceptable theory(8 more words not shown)
- CAn adequate method(15 more words not shown)
- DAn acceptable theory(11 more words not shown)
- EAn acceptable method(19 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Which general rule supports an objection to internal relations? Recall the two problems: the theory treats every relationship-produced property as defining, and it makes knowledge depend on an impossible prerequisite. Either objection could lead us to a principle.
What we’re looking for
We don't need another summary of the whole discussion. We need a rule that explains why one of these consequences counts against the theory.
Working the answers
- A
The author doesn't complain that internal relations fails to define entities. The complaint is that it treats too many properties as defining. Requiring definitions doesn't explain that objection.
- BCorrect
The theory is supposed to help us study complex systems, but the author says it prevents us from learning anything (paragraph 4). A way of gaining knowledge that makes gaining knowledge impossible defeats its own purpose. This principle explains why that consequence is a reason to reject the theory.
- C
Revealing complexity sounds relevant to the topic, but the author doesn't accuse internal relations of hiding complexity. That resembles the organicists' complaint about the rival method.
- D
The final paragraph explains that analytic scientists determine laws and initial conditions. It doesn't base an objection to internal relations on that theory's failure to describe them.
- E
This resembles the organicists' objection to studying parts separately. We need the author's objection to the theory of internal relations, not the theory's supporters' objection to a different method.
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