Q25

[clydemail]

Why is A not the right answer? I don't see any indication of how society "generally" treats physicians. What I do see is "'various' efforts to cut medicine down to size," which is not enough to infer how society generally feels.

My problem with D is equivocation. Specific Knowledge could refer to an actual listing of the types of knowledge trades are based or it could just mean the "mere know-how," which is knowledge specific to any one trade.

[noah]

The support for (A) can be found in lines 43-48.

(B) 49-51

(C) 58 - 60 (and elsewhere, I believe)

(E) 60-63

(D) is tricky. It seems like you see the issue. As you say, there is a discussion of trades requiring knowledge (11-14), but that's a general discussion of what trades require, not a discussion of specific knowledge on which traders are based.

I hope that's helpful.

[clydemail]

Thanks for responding so quickly. I see your point that the knowledge in lines 11-14 is more general than specific. My problem was with lines 30-35, that the knowledge used for trades is itself specific, since it was based on mere know-how and not inquiry.

However with lines 43-48 for A, how do we know that society generally feels that way towards physicians, today? That definition may have been the general intention when it was conceived or it may not have been, but more importantly how do you see it as an indication of how society generally feels today?

[noah]

Let me push back: where do you see the question or text limiting time?

[clydemail]

Because answer choice A uses the verb "treat" in the present tense.

[noah]

Sure, and around line 45 we see "Their titles and the respect they are shown" which is in the same tense. So, I don't see a reason to assume that it is referring to the past.

BTW, I dig the attention to detail - definitely will pay off.

[clydemail]

Perfect, it makes sense now!!! When the author says,"physicians are honored because of their profession," he gives an indication of how society generally treats them. Noah, thank you so much. This question was driving me crazy.