OE


The liberal arts education is now seen as an area of study not practical for today's society. The correct answer must evoke the opposite of "practical" and "down-to-earth". Choice (C)-asinine (meaning lacking intelligence or foolish) and Choice (D)-obtuse (meaning not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect) both relate to learning, but both are incorrect because neither provides a contrast with "practical". Choice(F)-fetid (meaning foul-smelling, putrid, stinking ) is not relevant to this question stem. Choice(E)-chary (meaning cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something) does not fit in this sentence; no indication is given that anyone dedicating years of study to liberal arts should be cautious or suspicious).The correct answers are (A)erudite — meaning scholarly and (B) lofty — meaning high-minded both provide a direct contrast with the idea of a practical, down-to-earth education.

Erudite is correct because the meaning of the sentence is the following

Extensive liberal arts study was once considered an integral component of a quality education,

Liberal arts study (philosophy, for example, as is pointed out later in the sentence) were the normality when someone approaches studies. Why?

Well, this is a fascinating debate. Nowadays, we tend to study essentially technical fields such as economy, business, data analysis, and so on.- What is interesting is, for example, a re-discovery of this classic study and its incorporation into the new field. Or even more, it is a hybrid where different fields of study are at the intersection. In a sort of mash-up. One time, it was impossible to think how economics and psychology could coexist: now we do have behavioral economics which is a pioneering area


but as societies have become more technologically, dedicating years to studies in classic literature or philosophy are more often perceived as _______ endeavors

Instead, today, study such as philosophy is for the few. Who studies that is considered an exception. Therefore, those field of studies are for people who are erudite or i.e. with an high level of knowledge

erudite= having or showing great knowledge or learning.


that should be set aside for training in more practical study in the sciences or in medicine.

This journey should not be initiate because should be better (maybe) to study more practical studies

I hope this helps

Thank you. This was tough but your breakdown makes it clear