Plato believed material objects to be crude representations of unseen ideal forms. In his view, such abstract, nonmaterial forms are...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Plato believed material objects to be crude representations of unseen ideal forms. In his view, such abstract, nonmaterial forms are the ultimate source of knowledge. Aristotle disagreed, positing that knowledge is best obtained through direct engagement with the material world; _______ sensory experience of the material is the ultimate source of knowledge.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
regardless,
admittedly,
in other words,
meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Plato believed material objects to be crude representations of unseen ideal forms. |
|
| In his view, such abstract, nonmaterial forms are the ultimate source of knowledge. |
|
| Aristotle disagreed, positing that knowledge is best obtained through direct engagement with the material world; |
|
| sensory experience of the material is the ultimate source of knowledge. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Plato and Aristotle held opposing views about whether knowledge comes from abstract ideal forms or from direct sensory experience with the material world.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- What comes before the blank is Aristotle's disagreement with Plato about how knowledge is obtained
- What comes after the blank is a specific statement about sensory experience being the ultimate source of knowledge
- The relationship we need is one where the second part explains or clarifies what Aristotle's disagreement actually means
regardless,
This transition suggests despite what was just said which doesn't fit because the statement after the blank isn't happening despite Aristotle's disagreement—it's explaining what his disagreement means
✗ Incorrect
admittedly,
This suggests a concession which doesn't work because Aristotle isn't conceding anything to Plato; he's maintaining his opposing position
✗ Incorrect
in other words,
This signals that what follows is a restatement or clarification of what was just said
Perfect fit: after mentioning Aristotle's disagreement about direct engagement with the material world, we get a clearer explanation of what that means—sensory experience
✓ Correct
meanwhile,
This suggests something happening at the same time which doesn't fit because we're not describing simultaneous events—we're clarifying Aristotle's single position
✗ Incorrect