Question 12

Philosophy questions ideas that are commonly assumed to be true.

Philosophers challenge the unquestioned authority of common sense, demonstrating that what is accepted as truth can vary over time and is often fallible.

A) Philosophy can be enjoyed only by a minority of people.

This option incorrectly suggests that philosophy is exclusive to a select group, whereas the passage emphasizes that philosophers engage in questioning common assumptions which can benefit everyone, not just a minority.

B) Philosophy is intellectually interesting but of little practical value.

While this option may imply a certain perspective on philosophy, the passage indicates that philosophy actively engages with the ideas that people commonly accept, thus suggesting its practical relevance in encouraging critical thinking about these ideas.

C) Philosophers examine only those ideas that transcend a particular historical moment.

This choice misrepresents the passage, which states that philosophers engage with common sense that varies with times and places. Philosophers do not limit their examination to ideas that transcend history; they question the historical context of common beliefs.

D) Philosophers seek to answer the questions that trouble most people.

This option is misleading because the passage does not claim that philosophers aim to answer common questions; rather, they challenge prevailing notions and encourage deeper reflection on ideas that are often taken for granted.

E) Philosophy questions ideas that are commonly assumed to be true.

This option is directly supported by the passage, which discusses how philosophers confront and scrutinize common sense beliefs that are rarely questioned, thus highlighting the essence of philosophical inquiry.

Conclusion

The correct answer, E, encapsulates the main argument of the passage by illustrating how philosophers challenge commonly held beliefs. All other options fail to accurately reflect the role of philosophy as described in the text, which emphasizes the critical examination of accepted truths rather than a mere interest in them or engagement with only specific ideas.