Despite their many differences of temperament and of literary perspect

Question

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Despite their many differences of temperament
⠀⠀⠀ and of literary perspective, Emerson, Thoreau,
⠀⠀⠀ Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman share certain
⠀⠀⠀ beliefs. Common to all these writers is their
(5)⠀⠀humanistic perspective. Its basic premises are
⠀⠀⠀ that humans are the spiritual center of the universe
⠀⠀⠀ and that in them alone is the clue to nature, history,
⠀⠀⠀ and ultimately the cosmos itself. Without denying
⠀⠀⠀ outright the existence either of a deity or of brute
(10)⠀⠀matter, this perspective nevertheless rejects
⠀⠀⠀ them as exclusive principles of interpretation and
⠀⠀⠀ prefers to explain humans and the world in terms
⠀⠀⠀ of humanity itself. This preference is expressed
⠀⠀⠀ most clearly in the Transcendentalist principle
(15)⠀⠀that the structure of the universe literally duplicates
⠀⠀⠀ the structure of the individual self; therefore, all
⠀⠀⠀ knowledge begins with self-knowledge.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀This common perspective is almost always
⠀⠀⠀ universalized. Its emphasis is not upon the
(20)⠀⠀individual as a particular European or American,
⠀⠀⠀ but upon the human as universal, freed from the
⠀⠀⠀ accidents of time, space, birth, and talent. Thus,
⠀⠀⠀ for Emerson, the" American Scholar" turns out to
⠀⠀⠀ be simply "Man Thinking"; while, for Whitman,
(25)⠀⠀the "Song of Myself" merges imperceptibly into a
⠀⠀⠀ song of all the "children of Adam", where "every
⠀⠀⠀ atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Also common to all five writers is the belief
⠀⠀⠀ that individual virtue and happiness depend upon
(30)⠀⠀self-realization, which, in turn, depends upon the
⠀⠀⠀ harmonious reconciliation of two universal psycho-
⠀⠀⠀ logical tendencies: first, the self-asserting
⠀⠀⠀ impulse of the individual to withdraw, to remain
⠀⠀⠀ unique and separate, and to be responsible only to
(35)⠀⠀himself or herself, and second, the self-tran
⠀⠀⠀ scending impulse of the individual to embrace the
⠀⠀⠀ whole world in the experience of a single moment
⠀⠀⠀ and to know and become one with that world.
⠀⠀⠀  These conflicting impulses can be seen in the 
(40)⠀⠀ democratic ethic . Democracy advocates individu-
⠀⠀⠀ alism, the preservation of the individual's freedom
⠀⠀⠀ and self-expression. But the democratic self is
⠀⠀⠀ torn between the duty to self, which is implied by
⠀⠀⠀ the concept of liberty, and the duty to society,
(45)⠀⠀which is implied by the concepts of equality and
⠀⠀⠀ fraternity.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A third assumption common to the five writers
⠀⠀⠀ is that intuition and imagination offer a surer road
⠀⠀⠀ to the truth than does abstract logic or scientific
(50)⠀⠀method. It is illustrated by their emphasis upon
⠀⠀⠀ introspection-their belief that the clue to external
⠀⠀⠀ nature is to be found in the inner world of individual
⠀⠀⠀ psychology-and by their interpretation of experi-
⠀⠀⠀ ence as, in essence, symbolic. Both these stresses
(55)⠀⠀presume  an organic relationship between the self 
⠀⠀⠀  and the cosmos  of which only intuition and imagi-
⠀⠀⠀ nation can properly take account. These writers'
⠀⠀⠀ faith in the imagination and in themselves as
⠀⠀⠀ practitioners of imagination led them to conceive
(60)⠀⠀of the writer as a seer and enabled them to
⠀⠀⠀ achieve supreme confidence in their own moral
⠀⠀⠀ and metaphysical insights.   1 
RC39461.01-10
 1. The author's discussion of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman is primarily concerned with explaining

(A) some of their beliefs about the difficulties involved in self-realization
(B) some of their beliefs concerning the world and the place that humanity occupies in the universal order
(C) some of their beliefs concerning the relationship between humanism and democracy
(D) the way some of their beliefs are shaped by differences in temperament and literary outlook
(E) the effects of some of their beliefs on their writings

2 
 2. According to the passage, the humanistic perspective of the five writers presupposes which of the following? 
1. The structure of the universe can be discovered through self-knowledge.
II. The world can be explained in terms of humanity.
III. The spiritual and the material worlds are incompatible.

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and II only 
(D) II and III only 
(E) I, II, and III

3 
RC39461.01-30 
 3. The author quotes Whitman primarily in order to

(A) show that the poet does not agree with Emerson
(B) indicate the way the poet uses the humanist ideal to praise himself
(C) suggest that the poet adapts the basic premises of humanism to his own individual outlook on the world
(D) illustrate a way the poet expresses the relationship of the individual to the humanistic universe
(E) demonstrate that the poet is concerned with the well- being of all humans

4 
RC39461.01-20 
 4. According to the passage, the five writers object to the scientific method primarily because they think it

(A) is not the best way to obtain an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos
(B) is so specialized that it leads to an understanding of separate parts of the universe but not of the relationships among those parts
(C) cannot provide an adequate explanation of intuition and imagination
(D) misleads people into believing they have an understanding of truth, when they do not
(E) prevents people from recognizing the symbolic nature of experience

5 
 5. Which of the following statements would be com- patible with the beliefs of the five writers as described in the passage? 
I. Democracy works as a form of government because every individual is unique.
II. Nature alone exists, and each person is nothing more than a shadow of that substance which is the world.
III. The human mind is capable of discovering the meaning of life and understanding the order in the universe.

(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and II only 
(D) I and III only 
(E) I, II, and III

6 
RC39461.01-40 
 6. It can be inferred that intuition is important to the five writers primarily because it provides them with

(A) information useful for understanding abstract logic and the scientific method
(B) the discipline needed in the search for truth 
(C) inspiration for their best writing
(D) clues to the interpretation of symbolic experience
(E) the means of resolving conflicts between the self and the world

7 
RC39461.01-50 
 7. The author discusses "the democratic ethic" in the highlighted text in order to

(A) explain the relationship between external experience and inner imagination
(B) support the notion that the self-contains two conflicting and irreconcilable factions
(C) illustrate the relationship between the self's desire to be individual and its desire to merge with all other selves
(D) elaborate on the concept that the self constantly desires to realize its potential
(E) give an example of the idea that, in order to be happy, the self must reconcile its desires with external reality

8 
RC39461.01-60 
 8. It can be inferred that the idea of "an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos" in the highlighted text is necessary to the thinking of the five writers because such a relationship

(A) enables them to assert the importance of the democratic ethic
(B) justifies their-concept of the freedom of the individual
(C) sustains their faith in the existence of a deity 
(D) is the foundation of their humanistic view of existence
(E) is the basis for their claim that the writer is a seer

9 
RC39461.01-70 
 9. The passage is most relevant to which of the following areas of study?

(A) Aesthetics and logic
(B) History and literature
(C) Theology and sociology
(D) Anthropology and political science 
(E) Linguistics and art

Nikhil · Accepted Answer

1. The author's discussion of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman is primarily concerned with explaining 
(A) some of their beliefs about the difficulties in- volved in self-realization
 (B) some of their beliefs concerning the world and the place that humanity occupies in the universal order 
(C) some of their beliefs concerning the relationship . between humanism and democracy
(D) the way some of their beliefs are shaped by dif- ferences in temperament and literary outlook
(E) the effects of some of their beliefs on their writings

The best answer is B. This question asks you to identify the choice that best states the primary concern, or central topic, of the author's discussion. Thus, the best answer must be comprehensive enough to include all aspects of the author's discussion. Choice A mentions one aspect of the author's discussion, which appears in the third paragraph along with the topic mentioned in choice C. Neither of these choices includes the matters under discussion in paragraphs one, two, and four. Choices D and E mention topics not discussed in the passage. Choice B presents a broad topic that includes the matters discussed in all four paragraphs of the passage.

2. According to the passage, the humanistic perspective of the five writers presupposes which of the following?
I. The structure of the universe can be discovered through self-knowledge.
II. The world can be explained in terms of humanity.
III. The spiritual and the material worlds are incompatible. 
(A) I only
(B) II only
 (C) I and II only  
(D) II and III only 
(E) I , II, and III

The best answer is C. This question asks you to evaluate the three statements designated with Roman numerals in terms of "the humanistic perspective of the five writers." Paragraph one discusses the "humanistic perspective" (line 5) and ex- plains its "basic premises" (lines 5-8). After looking back at paragraph one, you can decide whether or not the' 'humanis- tic perspective" presupposes statements I, II, and/or III. The last sentence of paragraph one says that" . . . all knowledge begins with self-knowledge"; thus, the statement I is a presupposition of the "humanistic perspective." Lines 5-13 explain in some detail the point briefly stated in statement II. The point made in statement III is neither stated nor implied in the passage.

3. The author quotes Whitman primarily in order to 
(A) show that the poet does not agree with Emerson. 
(B) indicate the way the poet uses the humanist ideal to praise himself
(C) suggest that the poet adapts the basic premises of humanism to his own individual outlook on the world
 (D) illustrate a way the poet expresses the relationship of the individual to the humanistic universe  
(E) demonstrate that the poet is concerned with the well-being of all humans

The best answer is D. This question asks you to identify the function of a quotation in the author's discussion. First, locate the quotation from Whitman in lines 24-27. The first two sentences of the paragraph make the point that the five writers under discussion emphasize not the individual, but the "human as universal" (line 21). The author of the passage then says, "Thus, for Emerson . . . while, for Whitman" (lines 22-24). The use of the word "Thus" indicates that the author is giving a specific instance or example of the point. The only choice that states a purpose for the quotation compatible with the author's point in this paragraph is D.

4. According to the passage, the five writers object to the scientific method primarily because they think it 
 (A) is not the best way to obtain an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos 
(B) is so specialized that it leads to an understanding of separate parts of the universe but not of the relationships among those parts
(C) cannot provide an adequate explanation of intuition and imagination
(D) misleads people into believing they have an understanding of truth, when they do not
(E) prevents people from recognizing the symbolic nature of experience

The best answer is A. The author of the passage, in the first sentence of the fourth paragraph, says that the five writers assumed "that intuition and imagination offer a surer road to truth" than the scientific method, and that they presumed "an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos of which only intuition and imagination can properly take account" (lines 55-57). Choice A restates this point by saying that the scientific method "is not the best way to obtain an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos." Choices B, C, D, and E mention plausible possible objections to the use of the scientific method, but none of these are mentioned in the passage.

5. Which of the following statements would be compatible with the beliefs of the five writers as described in the passage?
I. Democracy works as a form of government because every individual is unique.
II. Nature alone exists, and each person is nothing more than a shadow of that substance which is the world.
III. The human mind is capable of discovering the meaning of life and understanding the order in the universe. 
(A) I only 
 (B) III only 
(C) I and II only
(D) I and III only 
(E) I, II, and III

The best answer is B. This question asks you to evaluate statements I, II, and III and decide whether each of the three statements is compatible with the beliefs of the authors as they are presented in the passage. The statement I concerns democracy, which is discussed in the passage in lines 39-46. It is clear from these lines that I is not compatible with the authors' beliefs as they are presented in the passage. Statement II begins''Nature alone exists.. ."; this part of the statement directly contradicts the discussion of the humanistic perspective in the first paragraph of the passage. Statement III summarizes the basic points made about the humanistic perspective in the first paragraph.

6. It can be inferred that intuition is important to the five writers primarily because it provides them with 
(A) information useful for understanding abstract logic and scientific method
(B) the discipline needed in the search for truth
(C) inspiration for their best writing
 (D) clues to the interpretation of symbolic experience  
(E) the means of resolving conflicts between the self and the world

The best answer is D. In the fourth paragraph of the passage, the author says that the five writers assume that intuition and imagination "offer a surer road to truth" (lines 48-49). The author of the passage then gives two illustrations of this assumption, one of which is the writers' emphasis on "interpretation of experience as, in essence, symbolic." Choice A can be eliminated because the fourth paragraph states that intuition and imagination are alternatives to logic and scientific method. The material in choices B and C is not implied in the fourth paragraph. Choice E suggests, correctly, that intuition and imagination connect the self to the world, but the resolution of conflicts between the self and world mentioned in E is not discussed in the passage.

7. The author discusses "the democratic ethic" (lines 39-46) in order to 
(A) explain the relationship between external experience and inner imagination
(B) support the notion that the self-contains two conflicting and irreconcilable factions
 (C) illustrate the relationship between the self's desire to be individual and its desire to merge with all other selves 
(D) elaborate on the concept that the self constantly desires to realize its potential
(E) give an example of the idea that, in order to be happy, the self must reconcile its desires with external reality

The best answer is C. First, reread the lines cited in the question. They appear at the end of the third paragraph, which begins with a statement of the five writers ' belief in the necessity for ' 'harmonious reconciliation of two universal psychological tendencies. . ." (lines 31-32), tendencies of withdrawal, on the one hand, and outreach, on the other (lines 32-38). The next sentence introduces the "democratic ethic" as an illustration of such reconciliation. Thus, choice C is the only choice that expresses the connection between the first part of the paragraph and the example of the democratic ethic.

8. It can be inferred that the idea of "an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos" (lines 55- 56) is necessary to the thinking of the five writers because such a relationship 
(A) enables them to assert the importance of the democratic ethic
(B) justifies their concept of the freedom of the individual
(C) sustains their faith in the existence of a deity
 (D) is the foundation of their humanistic view of existence 
(E) is the basis for their claim that the writer is a seer

The best answer is D. This question asks you to connect the quoted phrase to "the thinking of the five writers ." Choice A is inadequate because nothing in the passage suggests that the five writers asserted the importance of the democratic ethic. Choice B mentions the concept of the freedom of the individual, which is certainly implicit in the five writers' beliefs, but the relationship cited in the quoted phrase cannot be said to justify their concept. Choice C makes a statement unsupported by the passage. Choice E is related to the quoted phrase, in that the writers' faith in the imagination, which is the mental pathway to understanding the relationship cited in the quoted phrase, led them to see the writer as a seer. The necessary connection between the quoted phrase and the writers' beliefs, however, comes from their shared humanistic perspective, explained in detail in the first and fourth paragraphs, a perspective that is grounded in the idea contained in the quoted phrase.

9. The passage is most relevant to which of the following areas of study? 
(A) Aesthetics and logic
 (B) History and literature 
(C) Theology and sociology
(D) Anthropology and political science 
(E) Linguistics and art

The best answer is B. Choices A and E mention areas of study not relevant to the subject of the passage, the common beliefs of five writers. Choices C and D each mention one area, theology and political science, respectively, that could be seen as connected to the discussion presented in the passage. However, the principal concerns of sociology and anthropology are not connected with the subject of the passage. The central concerns of the passage, presenting the ideas and beliefs of significant thinkers, are the principal concerns of the fields of history and literature.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-70

9. The passage is most relevant to which of the following areas of study?

(A) Aesthetics and logic
(B) History and literature
(C) Theology and sociology
(D) Anthropology and political science 
(E) Linguistics and art

Evaluation

The passage discusses five historically important literary figures; it follows that this passage is most relevant to history and literature.

A. Because the passage discusses only thematic characteristics of these five writers, it has little to do with aesthetics, that is, the study of beauty. Furthermore, it does not discuss any general features of reasoning and argumentation, so it has little to do with the study of logic.

B. Correct.  Because the passage focuses on five historically important literary figures, it is most relevant to the study of history and literature.

C. The passage does not focus on the study of religion or on the structure and functioning of human society. Therefore, the passage has little to do with to either theology or sociology.

D. The passage does not focus on either human society and culture or on political activity and behavior. Therefore, it has little to do with either anthropology or political science.

E. The passage does not engage in a study of language or the structure of language, so it has little to do with linguistics. Furthermore, it is relevant to only one particular type of art, literature, and so is of only limited relevance to the study of art in general.

The correct answer is B.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-10

1. The author's discussion of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman is primarily concerned with explaining

(A) some of their beliefs about the difficulties involved in self-realization
(B) some of their beliefs concerning the world and the place that humanity occupies in the universal order
(C) some of their beliefs concerning the relationship between humanism and democracy
(D) the way some of their beliefs are shaped by differences in temperament and literary outlook
(E) the effects of some of their beliefs on their writings

Main idea

Understanding the primary concern of the passage implies understanding the passage as a whole. The passage starts by stating that these five American writers have many differences, but that it will focus on those beliefs that they share. The passage suggests that all five of the writers hold that humans are the spiritual center of the universe and that in them alone is the clue to nature, history, and ultimately the cosmos.

A. The passage continues by providing more specific evidence for this assertion, outlining beliefs that the writers hold in common. Note that the first sentences of each paragraph from the second onward identify a particular perspective, belief, or assumption that the writers hold in common.

B. The scope of this choice is too narrow. The third paragraph of the passage discusses two apparently conflicting psychological tendencies that the writers suggest must be reconciled in order to achieve self-actualization. However, this point is not of great concern throughout the rest of the passage.

C. Correct.  As discussed above, the passage is primarily concerned with beliefs the writers share concerning the fundamental role of humanity in the universal order.

C. The scope of this choice is too narrow. In the third paragraph, the passage considers the role of democracy in the five writers' thinking. However, it is only one of several such issues that the passage discusses.

D. This choice presents an idea contrary to the primary concern of the passage: the passage focuses not on the differences among these writers, but rather on the beliefs, concerns, and assumptions they share.

E. The passage primarily focuses on the common beliefs of these writers, not on any particular effects that these beliefs have on the writers' work.

The correct answer is B.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-30

3. The author quotes Whitman primarily in order to

(A) show that the poet does not agree with Emerson
(B) indicate the way the poet uses the humanist ideal to praise himself
(C) suggest that the poet adapts the basic premises of humanism to his own individual outlook on the world
(D) illustrate a way the poet expresses the relationship of the individual to the humanistic universe
(E) demonstrate that the poet is concerned with the well- being of all humans

Evaluation

The second paragraph stresses that these five writers emphasize the human as universal, freed from the accidents of time, space, birth, and talent; they see this idea as falling within the general notion that humans are the spiritual center of the universe.

In this second paragraph the author presents two examples of writing, one from Emerson and one from Whitman, which demonstrate this emphasis. Answering the question requires recognizing that Whitman's statement illustrates the idea that each individual human has such a general relationship with the universe.

A. The quotations from Emerson and Whitman are intended to illustrate the same idea—namely, the human as universal—not to show how these two writers differ.

B. The author quotes Whitman to illustrate a general idea shared by the five writers rather than to indicate how Whitman uses the humanist ideal to praise himself. Furthermore, this choice is incorrect because the quotation itself indicates something true of all the “children of Adam”—all of humanity—rather than something true of Whitman specifically.

C. Once again, the author's quotation of Whitman is not meant to indicate anything distinctive about Whitman, but rather to illustrate a perspective he shared with the other four writers.

D. Correct.  The author quotes Whitman to illustrate how Whitman expresses—as do each of the other writers under consideration—the relationship of each individual to a humanistic universe.

E. The quotation illustrates Whitman's view of the relationship of the individual to the universe. Even though Whitman may in fact be concerned with the well-being of all humans, the quotation itself in no way suggests this.

The correct answer is D.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-20

4. According to the passage, the five writers object to the scientific method primarily because they think it

(A) is not the best way to obtain an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos
(B) is so specialized that it leads to an understanding of separate parts of the universe but not of the relationships among those parts
(C) cannot provide an adequate explanation of intuition and imagination
(D) misleads people into believing they have an understanding of truth, when they do not
(E) prevents people from recognizing the symbolic nature of experience

Evaluation

The final paragraph of the passage indicates that the five writers suggest that the scientific method provides a less sure way to arrive at truth than do intuition and imagination. In particular, these authors propose that intuition and imagination allow us to recognize, in a way the scientific method cannot, the organic relationship between the self and the cosmos.

A. Correct.  As indicated above, the passage indicates that these five writers believe that the scientific method is not a sure way to obtain an understanding of how the individual self relates to the cosmos.

B. The passage suggests that these five writers objected to use of the scientific method to obtain understanding of how the individual relates to the cosmos, not because it is too “specialized.”

C. The passage suggests that these five writers believed that intuition and imagination were surer means of arriving at truth than the scientific method. This does not imply that the scientific method is incapable of providing an adequate explanation of intuition and imagination themselves.

D. The passage does not indicate whether the writers believed that, as a result of the scientific method, people falsely believed that they understood the truth. The passage does suggest that the writers believed that the scientific method cannot lead to certain types of fundamental truths. However, this does not imply that these authors thought that any beliefs arrived at through the scientific method are inherently false.

E. The passage indicates that the writers did not believe that the scientific method could effectively lead to recognizing the symbolic nature of experience. Nevertheless, it does not indicate that they believe that the scientific method prevents people from recognizing the symbolic nature of experience.

The correct answer is A.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-40

6. It can be inferred that intuition is important to the five writers primarily because it provides them with

(A) information useful for understanding abstract logic and the scientific method
(B) the discipline needed in the search for truth 
(C) inspiration for their best writing
(D) clues to the interpretation of symbolic experience
(E) the means of resolving conflicts between the self and the world

Inference

The final paragraph states that the five writers all held that intuition and imagination offer a surer road to truth than does abstract logic or scientific method. Furthermore, the author states that this is illustrated, in part, by their interpretation of experience as, in essence, symbolic. This suggests that intuition's value is largely related to its ability to assist in interpreting symbolic experience.

A. The passage suggests that the writers believed intuition to be a surer road to truth than are abstract logic and the scientific method. Nevertheless, it does not indicate that these writers believed intuition to be useful for understanding abstract logic or the scientific method.

B. The passage suggests that the writers believed intuition to be helpful in arriving at the truth. However, it does not indicate that this is because it provides them with any sort of discipline needed in the search for the truth.

C. It may be true that intuition served as inspiration for the five writers' best writing. However, the passage provides no information that allows us to make such an inference.

D. Correct.  The passage suggests that these writers believed intuition to be important because intuition (and imagination) assist in the interpretation of symbolic experience.

E. The passage nowhere indicates that intuition is involved in the resolution of conflicts between the self and the world.

The correct answer is D.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-50

7. The author discusses "the democratic ethic" in the highlighted text in order to

(A) explain the relationship between external experience and inner imagination
(B) support the notion that the self-contains two conflicting and irreconcilable factions
(C) illustrate the relationship between the self's desire to be individual and its desire to merge with all other selves
(D) elaborate on the concept that the self constantly desires to realize its potential
(E) give an example of the idea that, in order to be happy, the self must reconcile its desires with external reality

Evaluation

The passage discusses the democratic ethic as a specific instance of two conflicting impulses: the desire to be responsible to the self versus the desire to transcend the self and become one with the world. In particular, the democratic ethic relates to the conflict between one's duty to self and one's duty to society.

A. The passage's discussion of the democratic ethic relates to the conflict of the individual's self-asserting and self-transcending impulses. However, the democratic ethic is brought up to illustrate rather than explain this idea. Furthermore, the democratic ethic does not deal specifically with inner imagination and external experience, but rather with conflicting duties.

B. The passage nowhere indicates that the self has two irreconcilable factions. The discussion of the democratic ethic is part of a discussion regarding the importance of the harmonious reconciliation of two psychological tendencies.

C. Correct.  As discussed above, the author's discussion of the democratic ethic is intended to illustrate the relationship between one's duty to oneself and one's duty to be a part of society; we can interpret the latter as one form of becoming one with the world.

D. The passage does not indicate that these five writers believed that the self constantly desires to realize its own potential.

E. The passage does not indicate that these five writers believed that happiness requires a reconciliation of the self's desires with external reality.

The correct answer is C.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC39461.01-60

8. It can be inferred that the idea of "an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos" in the highlighted text is necessary to the thinking of the five writers because such a relationship 
(A) enables them to assert the importance of the democratic ethic
(B) justifies their-concept of the freedom of the individual
(C) sustains their faith in the existence of a deity 
(D) is the foundation of their humanistic view of existence
(E) is the basis for their claim that the writer is a seer

Inference

The passage discusses the idea of an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos in the context of discussion of the five writers' shared beliefs that the clue to external nature is to be found in the inner world of individual psychology and that experience is, essentially, symbolic.

The passage indicates that these views presume the idea that there is an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos. This presumption of an organic relationship is, it seems, the basis of their humanistic view of existence.

A. It is possible to assert the importance of the democratic ethic without holding to these writers' view regarding an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos. In fact, this view may have played a part in their promotion of the democratic ethic. Nevertheless, the writers certainly could have asserted that this ethic was important without presuming such a view.

B. The passage indicates tension between the idea of individual freedom and the individual's duty to society, a view that these writers link to the organic relationship between the self and the cosmos. It is therefore unclear specifically how this idea justifies these five authors' conception of the freedom of the individual.

C. The passage indicates that these authors do not specifically deny the existence of a deity. However, their belief in the humanistic view of existence stands in tension with a belief in a deity. Therefore, it is unlikely that the idea of an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos—a concept that underlies that humanistic view—would sustain whatever faith they might have in the existence of a deity distinct from the universe itself.

D. Correct.  As indicated above, these five writers' humanistic view of existence presupposes an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos.

E. The passage indicates that the writers' faith in the imagination and in themselves underlies their claim that the writer is a seer, not their idea that there is an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos.

The correct answer is D.

saby1410 · Answer

Yeah i haven't found reason for  ques 3  of eliminating option C
Also not found proper reasoning for  question 5 
Can u atleast shed some light on these questions it would be very helpful
Any advice to solve these type oF RC under time

Posted from my mobile device

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  saby1410 . I will touch on one question here and one question only, as I have to get ready for my next lesson. In question 3, answer choice (C) runs into trouble from the first word,  suggest . Is the authoring quoting parts from "Song of Myself" to  suggest  something? Consider the relevant paragraph:

Now, the sentence in which we find these quotes begins with  thus , a conclusion marker. So what is the premise that comes before? It is really the topic sentence of the paragraph, that  perspective is almost always universalized . The quotes answer the question,  How so?  Emerson generalizes in one way—an  American  is simply a person, a  man  in the parlance of the time, and a  scholar  is simply someone who thinks—Whitman generalizes in his own way—every atom belongs to everyone equally. If we look at answer choices (C) and (D), we can see that (C) is off the mark:

For (C) to work, we need to get a picture of a Whitman who was maybe self-centered, someone who had his own philosophy in place before adapting some of the tenets of humanism to his own views. This is not the direction the passage takes at all. (D) is the safer bet, pointing to the Whitman quotes as examples of the  common perspective .

I hope this helps. I have to run.

- Andrew

Mavisdu1017 · Answer

Hello expert,
I went through the OE, but I found it really sucks, just seems saying nonsense (it always says passage doesn’t imply, but what I wonder is WHY). Could any expert help to explain Q6/7? Thanks in advance.
For Q6, as passage says: therir faith in the imagination and as practitioners of imagination led them to conceive of the writer as a seer, so why C is wrong?
For Q7, As the passage says: the belief that individual virtue and happiness depend upon self-realization, which, in turn, depends upon the harmonious reconciliation of two universal psychological tendencies, then offers an example of Democracy. So why is E wrong?

RonTargetTestPrep · Answer

Question 6 asks: (emphasis mine)
 6. It can be inferred that  intuition  is important to the five writers primarily because it provides them with...

So we need to go find   intuition   in the passage text.

This is the only excerpt where intuition is mentioned. The author mentions 2 'use cases' for intuition, which I've colored here in  pink  and  purple :
 A third assumption common to the five writers is that intuition and imagination offer a surer road to the truth than does abstract logic or scientific method. It is illustrated by their emphasis upon  introspection-their belief that the clue to external nature is to be found in the inner world of individual psychology -and by  their interpretation of experience as, in essence, symbolic .

The correct answer to this question, therefore, is whichever choice mentions one or both of these things. (Should just be one, per normal conventions for GMAC's answer choices.)

Choice D is the purple part, so choice D is our winner.

That part is about  imagination , not about intuition. The question is asking about intuition.

Imagination and intuition are mentioned side-by-side as two distinct things (see the beginning of the part I quoted, above), so please take care not to commingle or confuse references to them separately.

RonTargetTestPrep · Answer

The example of "the democratic ethic" is presented to illustrate a situation containing both of  these two potentially conflicting tendencies .

The correct answer to this question is therefore whichever answer choice names the two potentially conflicting tendencies—precisely what choice C does.

(E) give an example of the idea that,  in order to be happy , the self must reconcile its desires with external reality

The wording of choice E presents  this part  as the conclusion and thus the ultimate purpose of the example.
The democratic ethic is presented in a context that has nothing to do with achieving happiness, so this choice is not justified.

anish777 · Answer

Hi GMATNinja

Can you help me with #6 ?
The intuition is important to the writers because they think that the surer road to the truth is via imagination and intuition. This is illustrated by introspection - "the clue to the external nature...". Now, here intuition provides the way for introspection, which in turn provides the clues for the interpretation of the symbolic universe. Is this what it meant ?
I am really confused with the answer choice for this question.

GMATNinja · Answer

Question 6 
 
Your interpretation of the passage sounds basically correct! To reiterate the connections you hinted at, the author suggests that:

Intuition "offers a surer road to the truth" than "abstract logic or scientific method."   Intuition allows someone to find "clues to external nature" in the "inner world of individual psychology."   This leads to an interpretation of "experience as...symbolic."

In analyzing the answer choices to question 6, let's apply process of elimination. In other words, we're not looking for a  perfect  answer. Rather, we're hunting for a  flaw  in each answer choice.

Let's start with (A):

The author tells us that intuition offers a better road to truth than abstract logic or the scientific method. But intuition doesn't help with an understanding of abstract logic or scientific understanding themselves. Eliminate (A).

Intuition DOES help in the search for truth. However, the passage doesn't indicate that intuition supplies "discipline." Eliminate (B).

The passage doesn't link intuition with the quality of these authors' writings. Eliminate (C).

Intuition does help with the interpretation of "experience as...symbolic." And it achieves this by allowing someone to find "clues to external nature." So far, I'm not seeing a flaw with (D), so let's hold onto it.

The passage does talk about the tension between the tendency to "withdraw" and the tendency to "embrace the whole world." But we're never told that intuition solves this conflict. Eliminate (E).

Since (D) fits the meaning of the passage fairly well, and since it lacks a clear flaw, it's correct.

I hope that helps!

egmat · Answer

Hi there,

Passage Overview:  This passage describes three shared beliefs of  five  major American writers (Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, Whitman): ( 1 ) a  humanistic perspective  placing humans at the spiritual center of the universe, ( 2 ) a belief that self-realization requires reconciling individual and universal impulses, and ( 3 ) faith in intuition and imagination over scientific method. Each paragraph covers one belief.

Question 1 (Primary Purpose):  The correct answer is  B . The passage explains what these writers believe about the world and humanity's place in the universal order — paragraph  1  covers humanism (humans as center of the universe), paragraph  2  universalizes this, paragraph  3  covers self-realization, and paragraph  4  covers intuition. Answer A is too narrow (only paragraph  3 ), C is too narrow (democracy is just one illustration), and D/E are not what the passage does at all.

Answer: B

Question 2 (Detail):  The correct answer is  C  (I and II only). Statement I is supported: 'the structure of the universe literally duplicates the structure of the individual self;  therefore , all knowledge begins with self-knowledge.' Statement II is supported: the perspective 'prefers to explain humans and the world in terms of humanity itself.' Statement III is wrong — the passage says the perspective 'without denying outright' the spiritual or material, it just rejects them as 'exclusive principles of interpretation,' not that they are incompatible.

Answer: C

Question 3 (Function):  The correct answer is  D . The Whitman quote ('Song of Myself' merging into 'children of Adam') illustrates how the individual relates to the humanistic universe — specifically how the  humanistic perspective  is universalized. It is not about praising himself (B) or disagreeing with Emerson (A).

Answer: D

Question 4 (Detail):  The correct answer is  A . The passage states intuition and imagination 'offer a surer road to the truth than does abstract logic or scientific method' because they can properly account for 'an organic relationship between the self and the cosmos.' So the objection is that science is not the best way to understand the individual-cosmos relationship.

Answer: A

Question 5 (Inference):  The correct answer is  B  (III only). Statement III aligns with the writers' faith in intuition and self-knowledge to discover truth. Statement I fails because democracy is discussed as an illustration of conflicting impulses, not justified by individual uniqueness.  Statement II contradicts humanism  — it reduces humans to shadows of nature, the opposite of the writers' human-centered view.

Answer: B

Question 6 (Inference):  The correct answer is  D . The passage says intuition supports the writers' 'interpretation of experience as, in essence, symbolic' and their belief that 'the clue to external nature is to be found in the inner world of individual psychology.' This means intuition provides clues to interpreting symbolic experience.

Answer: D

Question 7 (Function):  The correct answer is  C . The democratic ethic is introduced to illustrate the two conflicting psychological tendencies: the self-asserting impulse (liberty/individualism) versus the self-transcending impulse (equality/fraternity/duty to society). This directly maps to the self's desire to be individual versus its desire to merge with others.

Answer: C

Question 8 (Inference):  The correct answer is  D . The  organic relationship between self and cosmos  is the foundation of humanism — the idea that humans are the spiritual center of the universe and that self-knowledge reveals the structure of the cosmos. Without this relationship, their entire humanistic view collapses.

Answer: D

Question 9 (Application):  The correct answer is  B . The passage discusses  five  major American literary figures and their philosophical beliefs in historical context, making it most relevant to history and literature.

Answer: B

Despite their many differences of temperament and of literary perspect

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Despite their many differences of temperament and of literary perspect

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