Read the passage from Of the Wisdom of the Ancients. Now the philosophy of the Greeks, which in investigating the material principles of things is careful and acute, in inquiring the principles of motion, wherein lies all vigour of operation, is negligent and languid; and on the point now in question seems to be altogether blind and babbling; for that opinion of the Peripatetics which refers the original impulse of matter to privation, is little more than words—a name for the thing rather than a description of it. Which phrase from the passage best states its central idea?
Answer
A
the philosophy of the Greeks, which in investigating the material principles of things is careful and acute
B
in inquiring the principles of motion, wherein lies all vigour of operation, is negligent and languid
C
refers the original impulse of matter to privation
D
a name for the thing rather than a description of it
Explanation
The passage contrasts the Greeks’ careful study of matter with their weak account of motion. Its main criticism is that they are “negligent and languid” when investigating the principles of motion, which the author says are essential to explaining how things act. Choice B states that central criticism; choice D describes the author’s later judgment of one specific explanation.
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