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Because we have so deeply interiorized writing, we find it difficult t
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20 Nov 2025, 02:24
20 Nov 2025, 02:24
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Question 1
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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.
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Re: Because we have so deeply interiorized writing, we find it difficult t
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11 Dec 2025, 02:30
11 Dec 2025, 02:30
Expert Reply
The correct answer is E. There have been people in the past who have opposed the technology of writing.
Reasoning
The passage explains that people today see writing as natural but "most people are surprised to learn" that Plato, through Socrates in the Phaedrus, argued against writing as an "alien technology," claiming it is inhuman, destroys memory, and is unresponsive. This directly supports the idea that in the past there were people who opposed writing as a technology, which is exactly what choice E states.
Reasoning
The passage explains that people today see writing as natural but "most people are surprised to learn" that Plato, through Socrates in the Phaedrus, argued against writing as an "alien technology," claiming it is inhuman, destroys memory, and is unresponsive. This directly supports the idea that in the past there were people who opposed writing as a technology, which is exactly what choice E states.
gmatclubot
Re: Because we have so deeply interiorized writing, we find it difficult t [#permalink]
11 Dec 2025, 02:30
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