Works of moral philosophy, such as Plato's Republic or Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, are partly concerned with how to live a...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Works of moral philosophy, such as Plato's Republic or Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, are partly concerned with how to live a morally good life. But philosopher Jonathan Barnes argues that works that present a method of living such a life without also supplying a motive are inherently useful only to those already wishing to be morally good—those with no desire for moral goodness will not choose to follow their rules. However, some works of moral philosophy attempt to describe what constitutes a morally good life while also proposing reasons for living one.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It provides a characterization about a field of thought by noting two works in it and then details a way in which some works in that field are more comprehensive than others.
It mentions two renowned works and then claims that despite their popularity it is impossible for these works to serve the purpose their authors intended.
It summarizes the history of a field of thought by discussing two works and then proposes a topic of further research for specialists in that field.
It describes two influential works and then explains why one is more widely read than the other.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Works of moral philosophy, such as Plato's Republic or Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, are partly concerned with how to live a morally good life. |
|
| But philosopher Jonathan Barnes argues that works that present a method of living such a life without also supplying a motive are inherently useful only to those already wishing to be morally good—those with no desire for moral goodness will not choose to follow their rules. |
|
| However, some works of moral philosophy attempt to describe what constitutes a morally good life while also proposing reasons for living one. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[FIELD CHARACTERIZATION] Moral philosophy works (examples: Plato, Aristotle) → [CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE] Barnes' argument: method-only works limited → [CONTRASTING POINT] Some works = more comprehensive (description + motivation)
Main Point:
While some moral philosophy works have limitations according to Barnes, others are more comprehensive by providing both descriptions of moral life and reasons for living it.
Argument Flow:
The passage begins by characterizing moral philosophy through examples, then presents Barnes' critique that works lacking motivation are limited in usefulness, and concludes by noting that some works overcome this limitation by being more comprehensive.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The overall structure of the text
What type of answer do we need? A description of how the passage is organized and flows
Any limiting keywords? "overall structure" - we need to capture the big picture organization, not just details
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- It should capture that the passage starts by characterizing moral philosophy and giving examples
- It should note that the passage then presents a critique or limitation (Barnes' argument)
- It should recognize that the passage concludes by showing how some works are more comprehensive or complete than others
- The right answer should describe a pattern where the field is characterized with examples, then a limitation is presented, and finally a way some works overcome this limitation is shown
It provides a characterization about a field of thought by noting two works in it and then details a way in which some works in that field are more comprehensive than others.
- Accurately captures that the passage characterizes the field by noting two works (Plato and Aristotle)
- Correctly identifies that it then details how some works are more comprehensive than others (by including both description and motivation)
- Matches our prethinking perfectly
It mentions two renowned works and then claims that despite their popularity it is impossible for these works to serve the purpose their authors intended.
- Says the passage claims it's "impossible" for works to serve their intended purpose
- This misrepresents Barnes' argument - he says they're limited, not that they can't serve their purpose at all
- Also focuses on popularity, which isn't mentioned in the passage
It summarizes the history of a field of thought by discussing two works and then proposes a topic of further research for specialists in that field.
- Says the passage "summarizes the history" of the field
- The passage doesn't provide historical development, just characterizes current works
- Claims it proposes future research, but the passage doesn't suggest areas for further study
It describes two influential works and then explains why one is more widely read than the other.
- Says it explains why one work is "more widely read" than another
- The passage never compares the popularity or readership of different works
- This completely misses the actual structure about limitations and comprehensiveness