Q10

[ccheng]

Hello,

I was debating between (A) and (D). Could you explain why (A) is correct and (D) is wrong?
Both answers imply some well-reasoned arguments did not received institutional approval. But (A) is correct probably because the end of paragraph 2 mentions institutional consensus.

Thank you.

[rinagoldfield]

This is a hard question. I also was torn between (A) and (D), and actually picked (D) the first time around.

But let’s look back at the sentence in question (and its surrounding paragraph). It sets up a contrast between reason and institutional authority. It basically tells us:

Intellectually weak arguments are often accepted by The Institution. At the same time, intellectually strong arguments are often _______.

It makes more sense, given the contrast at hand, to fill that blank with something like "rejected by The Institution."

(D), while not illogical, fails to get at the full meaning of the text. Sure, these arguments don’t succeed on reason alone. But the point is that they, unlike some unsound arguments, aren’t considered authoritative.

(A) does get at the contrast between reason and authority.

(B) is contradicted. These arguments may well "challenge institutional beliefs" (line 25).

(C) is unsupported. Precedent? That’s not what this paragraph is about.

(E) is extreme and unsupported. Coercion!?!