Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Test - 38

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

In the contemporary landscape, the notion of the unconscious is so deeply ingrained in our understanding of ourselves that it is challenging to envision our existence without it. However, tracing back the trajectory of intellectual history, we find that between the years 1700 and 1900, the notion of the unconscious germinated as a truly groundbreaking idea. The term "unconscious" underwent a metamorphosis, evolving from a nebulous construct into a well-defined concept. Its journey involved a rupture from conventional language, where it initially existed to encapsulate the ephemeral ideas and ever-shifting conceptions of multiple generations. The roots of the concept of the unconscious can be traced back to the 18th century, a period marked by intellectual ferment and the quest for a deeper understanding of the human mind. Enlightenment thinkers, such as René Descartes and John Locke, laid the groundwork for a shift in focus from metaphysical speculation to empirical observation and reason. This paradigm shift created a fertile ground for the exploration of the human psyche. As the 18th century unfolded, the Cartesian duality that separated the mind and body began to erode. Philosophers and scientists started to delve into the interconnectedness of these realms, challenging traditional views on consciousness. The concept of the unconscious started to take root, representing a realm of mental activity beyond conscious awareness.

The 19th century witnessed a surge in interest and speculation about the unconscious. Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, played a pivotal role in shaping the concept into a systematic framework. Freud's exploration of the unconscious mind, as manifested in dreams, slips of the tongue, and repressed memories, marked a revolutionary departure from previous psychological theories. He argued that much of human behaviour is driven by unconscious desires and conflicts that operate beneath the surface of conscious awareness. Freud's ideas found resonance not only in the field of psychology but also in literature and the arts. Writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Fyodor Dostoevsky explored the depths of the human psyche, delving into the darker aspects of the unconscious mind. Their works, marked by psychological complexity and introspection, reflected the zeitgeist of a society grappling with the profound implications of the unconscious on human behaviour.

The Industrial Revolution and societal changes in the 19th century provided a backdrop for the growing awareness of the unconscious. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the shifting social structures prompted thinkers to contemplate the impact of these changes on the human psyche. The unconscious became a focal point for understanding the anxieties, desires, and conflicts that emerged in response to a rapidly transforming world. The term "unconscious" underwent semantic evolution during this period. It transformed from a vague, catch-all term for elusive ideas into a concept that demanded rigorous examination. Scholars and thinkers across disciplines engaged in a collective effort to define and delineate the boundaries of the unconscious. The concept ceased to be a mere linguistic container for fleeting thoughts and instead became a cornerstone of psychological inquiry.

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

In the contemporary landscape, the notion of the unconscious is so deeply ingrained in our understanding of ourselves that it is challenging to envision our existence without it. However, tracing back the trajectory of intellectual history, we find that between the years 1700 and 1900, the notion of the unconscious germinated as a truly groundbreaking idea. The term "unconscious" underwent a metamorphosis, evolving from a nebulous construct into a well-defined concept. Its journey involved a rupture from conventional language, where it initially existed to encapsulate the ephemeral ideas and ever-shifting conceptions of multiple generations. The roots of the concept of the unconscious can be traced back to the 18th century, a period marked by intellectual ferment and the quest for a deeper understanding of the human mind. Enlightenment thinkers, such as René Descartes and John Locke, laid the groundwork for a shift in focus from metaphysical speculation to empirical observation and reason. This paradigm shift created a fertile ground for the exploration of the human psyche. As the 18th century unfolded, the Cartesian duality that separated the mind and body began to erode. Philosophers and scientists started to delve into the interconnectedness of these realms, challenging traditional views on consciousness. The concept of the unconscious started to take root, representing a realm of mental activity beyond conscious awareness.

The 19th century witnessed a surge in interest and speculation about the unconscious. Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, played a pivotal role in shaping the concept into a systematic framework. Freud's exploration of the unconscious mind, as manifested in dreams, slips of the tongue, and repressed memories, marked a revolutionary departure from previous psychological theories. He argued that much of human behaviour is driven by unconscious desires and conflicts that operate beneath the surface of conscious awareness. Freud's ideas found resonance not only in the field of psychology but also in literature and the arts. Writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Fyodor Dostoevsky explored the depths of the human psyche, delving into the darker aspects of the unconscious mind. Their works, marked by psychological complexity and introspection, reflected the zeitgeist of a society grappling with the profound implications of the unconscious on human behaviour.

The Industrial Revolution and societal changes in the 19th century provided a backdrop for the growing awareness of the unconscious. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the shifting social structures prompted thinkers to contemplate the impact of these changes on the human psyche. The unconscious became a focal point for understanding the anxieties, desires, and conflicts that emerged in response to a rapidly transforming world. The term "unconscious" underwent semantic evolution during this period. It transformed from a vague, catch-all term for elusive ideas into a concept that demanded rigorous examination. Scholars and thinkers across disciplines engaged in a collective effort to define and delineate the boundaries of the unconscious. The concept ceased to be a mere linguistic container for fleeting thoughts and instead became a cornerstone of psychological inquiry.

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Pragmatic theory, a formidable and intricate intellectual framework that gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulates a complex web of philosophical principles that places a relentless emphasis on practical consequences and the dynamic nature of truth. Rooted in the philosophical traditions of American pragmatism, particularly championed by thinkers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, pragmatic theory presents a formidable challenge to traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and reality. Its intellectual rigor demands a nuanced understanding of its core tenets, which coalesce into a rich tapestry that transcends mere problem-solving and instead offers a profound reevaluation of the very foundations of philosophical inquiry. At its essence, pragmatic theory posits that the meaning and truth of any proposition are intrinsically tied to their practical consequences. This departure from classical correspondence theories of truth challenges the notion that truth is a static and objective reality that exists independently of human experience. Instead, pragmatists assert that the truth of a statement is contingent upon its utility, efficacy, and impact on human action. In the pragmatic landscape, truth is not a fixed entity awaiting discovery but a dynamic and evolving process forged through the crucible of practical consequences.

Charles Sanders Peirce, often regarded as the architect of pragmatism, laid the groundwork for this theory by asserting that the meaning of a concept resides in its conceivable practical effects. For Peirce, the pragmatic maxim became a guiding principle, urging individuals to consider the practical implications of their beliefs. This pragmatic maxim prompts a radical reorientation of philosophical inquiry, urging thinkers to move beyond abstract speculation and instead engage with the concrete consequences of their ideas in the world. William James, another luminary in the pragmatic tradition, further expanded the scope of pragmatic theory by emphasizing its relevance to human experience and psychology. For James, truth is intimately connected to the success of ideas in guiding human conduct. Pragmatic theory, as expounded by James, becomes a lens through which to scrutinize the practical consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions. The pragmatic criterion of truth, according to James, lies in the transformative power of beliefs to enhance the quality of human life. John Dewey, a pragmatic philosopher with profound implications for education and social theory, extended the pragmatic framework to encompass broader societal issues. Dewey's instrumental approach to knowledge posits that the value of ideas and theories rests on their capacity to solve real-world problems and enhance human experience. The application of pragmatic theory, as articulated by Dewey, transcends individual beliefs to shape educational systems, social policies, and democratic governance. The pragmatic process, for Dewey, is not confined to the intellectual realm but permeates every facet of human existence.

Pragmatic theory, however, is not without its challenges and complexities. Critics argue that its emphasis on practical consequences may lead to a relativistic view of truth, where what is deemed true becomes contingent upon individual perspectives and societal contexts. The charge of relativism, though, is met with nuanced responses within the pragmatic tradition. Pragmatists contend that while truth is context-dependent, it is not arbitrary; instead, it is grounded in the concrete consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions.

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Pragmatic theory, a formidable and intricate intellectual framework that gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulates a complex web of philosophical principles that places a relentless emphasis on practical consequences and the dynamic nature of truth. Rooted in the philosophical traditions of American pragmatism, particularly championed by thinkers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, pragmatic theory presents a formidable challenge to traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and reality. Its intellectual rigor demands a nuanced understanding of its core tenets, which coalesce into a rich tapestry that transcends mere problem-solving and instead offers a profound reevaluation of the very foundations of philosophical inquiry. At its essence, pragmatic theory posits that the meaning and truth of any proposition are intrinsically tied to their practical consequences. This departure from classical correspondence theories of truth challenges the notion that truth is a static and objective reality that exists independently of human experience. Instead, pragmatists assert that the truth of a statement is contingent upon its utility, efficacy, and impact on human action. In the pragmatic landscape, truth is not a fixed entity awaiting discovery but a dynamic and evolving process forged through the crucible of practical consequences.

Charles Sanders Peirce, often regarded as the architect of pragmatism, laid the groundwork for this theory by asserting that the meaning of a concept resides in its conceivable practical effects. For Peirce, the pragmatic maxim became a guiding principle, urging individuals to consider the practical implications of their beliefs. This pragmatic maxim prompts a radical reorientation of philosophical inquiry, urging thinkers to move beyond abstract speculation and instead engage with the concrete consequences of their ideas in the world. William James, another luminary in the pragmatic tradition, further expanded the scope of pragmatic theory by emphasizing its relevance to human experience and psychology. For James, truth is intimately connected to the success of ideas in guiding human conduct. Pragmatic theory, as expounded by James, becomes a lens through which to scrutinize the practical consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions. The pragmatic criterion of truth, according to James, lies in the transformative power of beliefs to enhance the quality of human life. John Dewey, a pragmatic philosopher with profound implications for education and social theory, extended the pragmatic framework to encompass broader societal issues. Dewey's instrumental approach to knowledge posits that the value of ideas and theories rests on their capacity to solve real-world problems and enhance human experience. The application of pragmatic theory, as articulated by Dewey, transcends individual beliefs to shape educational systems, social policies, and democratic governance. The pragmatic process, for Dewey, is not confined to the intellectual realm but permeates every facet of human existence.

Pragmatic theory, however, is not without its challenges and complexities. Critics argue that its emphasis on practical consequences may lead to a relativistic view of truth, where what is deemed true becomes contingent upon individual perspectives and societal contexts. The charge of relativism, though, is met with nuanced responses within the pragmatic tradition. Pragmatists contend that while truth is context-dependent, it is not arbitrary; instead, it is grounded in the concrete consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions.

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Pragmatic theory, a formidable and intricate intellectual framework that gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulates a complex web of philosophical principles that places a relentless emphasis on practical consequences and the dynamic nature of truth. Rooted in the philosophical traditions of American pragmatism, particularly championed by thinkers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, pragmatic theory presents a formidable challenge to traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and reality. Its intellectual rigor demands a nuanced understanding of its core tenets, which coalesce into a rich tapestry that transcends mere problem-solving and instead offers a profound reevaluation of the very foundations of philosophical inquiry. At its essence, pragmatic theory posits that the meaning and truth of any proposition are intrinsically tied to their practical consequences. This departure from classical correspondence theories of truth challenges the notion that truth is a static and objective reality that exists independently of human experience. Instead, pragmatists assert that the truth of a statement is contingent upon its utility, efficacy, and impact on human action. In the pragmatic landscape, truth is not a fixed entity awaiting discovery but a dynamic and evolving process forged through the crucible of practical consequences.

Charles Sanders Peirce, often regarded as the architect of pragmatism, laid the groundwork for this theory by asserting that the meaning of a concept resides in its conceivable practical effects. For Peirce, the pragmatic maxim became a guiding principle, urging individuals to consider the practical implications of their beliefs. This pragmatic maxim prompts a radical reorientation of philosophical inquiry, urging thinkers to move beyond abstract speculation and instead engage with the concrete consequences of their ideas in the world. William James, another luminary in the pragmatic tradition, further expanded the scope of pragmatic theory by emphasizing its relevance to human experience and psychology. For James, truth is intimately connected to the success of ideas in guiding human conduct. Pragmatic theory, as expounded by James, becomes a lens through which to scrutinize the practical consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions. The pragmatic criterion of truth, according to James, lies in the transformative power of beliefs to enhance the quality of human life. John Dewey, a pragmatic philosopher with profound implications for education and social theory, extended the pragmatic framework to encompass broader societal issues. Dewey's instrumental approach to knowledge posits that the value of ideas and theories rests on their capacity to solve real-world problems and enhance human experience. The application of pragmatic theory, as articulated by Dewey, transcends individual beliefs to shape educational systems, social policies, and democratic governance. The pragmatic process, for Dewey, is not confined to the intellectual realm but permeates every facet of human existence.

Pragmatic theory, however, is not without its challenges and complexities. Critics argue that its emphasis on practical consequences may lead to a relativistic view of truth, where what is deemed true becomes contingent upon individual perspectives and societal contexts. The charge of relativism, though, is met with nuanced responses within the pragmatic tradition. Pragmatists contend that while truth is context-dependent, it is not arbitrary; instead, it is grounded in the concrete consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions.

Directions :The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Pragmatic theory, a formidable and intricate intellectual framework that gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulates a complex web of philosophical principles that places a relentless emphasis on practical consequences and the dynamic nature of truth. Rooted in the philosophical traditions of American pragmatism, particularly championed by thinkers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, pragmatic theory presents a formidable challenge to traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and reality. Its intellectual rigor demands a nuanced understanding of its core tenets, which coalesce into a rich tapestry that transcends mere problem-solving and instead offers a profound reevaluation of the very foundations of philosophical inquiry. At its essence, pragmatic theory posits that the meaning and truth of any proposition are intrinsically tied to their practical consequences. This departure from classical correspondence theories of truth challenges the notion that truth is a static and objective reality that exists independently of human experience. Instead, pragmatists assert that the truth of a statement is contingent upon its utility, efficacy, and impact on human action. In the pragmatic landscape, truth is not a fixed entity awaiting discovery but a dynamic and evolving process forged through the crucible of practical consequences.

Charles Sanders Peirce, often regarded as the architect of pragmatism, laid the groundwork for this theory by asserting that the meaning of a concept resides in its conceivable practical effects. For Peirce, the pragmatic maxim became a guiding principle, urging individuals to consider the practical implications of their beliefs. This pragmatic maxim prompts a radical reorientation of philosophical inquiry, urging thinkers to move beyond abstract speculation and instead engage with the concrete consequences of their ideas in the world. William James, another luminary in the pragmatic tradition, further expanded the scope of pragmatic theory by emphasizing its relevance to human experience and psychology. For James, truth is intimately connected to the success of ideas in guiding human conduct. Pragmatic theory, as expounded by James, becomes a lens through which to scrutinize the practical consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions. The pragmatic criterion of truth, according to James, lies in the transformative power of beliefs to enhance the quality of human life. John Dewey, a pragmatic philosopher with profound implications for education and social theory, extended the pragmatic framework to encompass broader societal issues. Dewey's instrumental approach to knowledge posits that the value of ideas and theories rests on their capacity to solve real-world problems and enhance human experience. The application of pragmatic theory, as articulated by Dewey, transcends individual beliefs to shape educational systems, social policies, and democratic governance. The pragmatic process, for Dewey, is not confined to the intellectual realm but permeates every facet of human existence.

Pragmatic theory, however, is not without its challenges and complexities. Critics argue that its emphasis on practical consequences may lead to a relativistic view of truth, where what is deemed true becomes contingent upon individual perspectives and societal contexts. The charge of relativism, though, is met with nuanced responses within the pragmatic tradition. Pragmatists contend that while truth is context-dependent, it is not arbitrary; instead, it is grounded in the concrete consequences of beliefs on individual and collective actions.

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.