Without the need for genius and with tradition placed at the (i)____ of our understanding of what architecture is, Scruton gives a critical appraisal of the classical vernacular, defending it against its (ii)___ and regarding its merits when set beside the legacy of modernism. The good manners of the classical pattern book provide guidance for the educated builder, whereas the extravagant intellectualism of the would-be modernist genius is a(n) (iii) ____ to any who would live in an educated community.You cannot give a critical appraisal of the anything and also defend it without placing it at the
centre of our understanding.Definitely not at the
fringe or the
borderline.
You defend anything against its
detractors and not its
devotees or
patrons.
The author has defended the classical vernacular regarding its merits when set beside the legacy of modernism. So he is biased towards the classical vernacular. And the word "whereas" in the last sentence contrasts the good manners of the classical book which provides guidance to the educated with the extravagant intellectualism of the would-be modernist. Such a contrast would be meaningful only if there is a negative judgment on the would-be modernist and his extravagant intellectualism, and these are depicted as failing to provide guidance to the educated community. Thus
affront would be the right choice for the third blank. The words "extravagant" and "would-be" themselves suggest a negative mood.
_________________