GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
A historian, analyzing ancient texts, noted that while some early philosophers advocated for a purely rational approach to understanding the cosmos, others were more ______ in their methodology, incorporating mystical beliefs and spiritual interpretations alongside empirical observation.
- Adogmatic
- Bpragmatic
- Ceclectic
- Drigid
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. eclectic
The sentence presents a contrast: some philosophers were 'purely rational,' while others were 'more ______ in their methodology, incorporating mystical beliefs and spiritual interpretations alongside empirical observation.' This indicates a diverse, broad, or varied approach. 'Eclectic' means deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources, which perfectly describes incorporating multiple different types of beliefs and observations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dogmatic means asserting opinions as facts; this doesn't fit the idea of incorporating diverse methods.
- B. Pragmatic means dealing with things practically; while not entirely wrong, 'eclectic' better captures the blend of diverse elements.
- D. Rigid means unable to bend or be changed, which is the opposite of incorporating diverse elements.
Contrast with Blended Approaches
This concept involves identifying a word that describes a mixed or diverse approach, especially when contrasted with a singular or pure approach.
- Look for contrast indicators (e.g., 'while', 'others were more').
- Identify the characteristics of the contrasting group (e.g., 'incorporating mystical beliefs and spiritual interpretations alongside empirical observation').
- Choose a word that encapsulates the idea of combining varied elements.
Memory trick: Mixing many methods makes a mosaic of meaning.