Because we have so deeply interiorized writing, we find it difficult to consider writing to be an alien technology, as we commonly assume printing and the computer to be. Most people are surprised to learn that essentially the same objections commonly urged today against computers were urged by Plato in the Phaedrus, against writing. Writing, Plato has Socrates say, is inhuman, pretending to establish outside the mind what in reality can be only in the mind. Secondly, Plato's Socrates urges, writing destroys memory. Those who use writing will become forgetful, relying on external resource for what they lack in internal resources. Thirdly, a written text is basically unresponsive, whereas real speech and thought always exist essentially in a context of give-and-take between real persons.

Which of the following would the author of the passage most likely agree with?

A. Writing can at times appear as inhuman.
B. A negative aspect of writing is that it could destroy memory.
C. Writing can at times fail to provide the right context.
D. Writing is more important than other cognitive skills.
E. There have been people in the past who have opposed the technology of writing.



What is the relation between the highlighted lines in the passage?

A. The first is the main thesis of the author and the second provides explanation for the main thesis.
B. The first is the primary conclusion of the passage and the second provides an alternate contradictory conclusion.
C. The first is a rebuttal of Platos's argument and the second is Plato's main argument.
D. The first is the main thesis of the author and the second contradicts the main thesis of the author.
E. The first is a point made in opposition of the advocacy of a truth and the second is that truth.