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Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero once asked himself whether a wise person should try to achieve the Stoic ideal of complete emotionlessness. Cicero reasoned that, however desirable the goal may be, a wise person could never attain it, since emotions are not simply irrational urges. They are, rather, a product of one's estimate of the goodness and badness of the events, people, and actions one witnesses.
Which of the following is an assumption required by Cicero's reasoning?
  • a)
    Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.
  • b)
    Irrationality makes evaluation of what one observes impossible.
  • c)
    Wisdom precludes attempting to attain what one cannot.
  • d)
    If evaluations are based only on reason, then they are inaccurate.
  • e)
    A wise person will not evaluate what cannot be directly observed.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero...
A. Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.
Cicero's argument is based on the premise that emotions are a product of one's evaluation of events, people, and actions. In order for his reasoning to hold, it is necessary to assume that wise individuals engage in the process of evaluation. Without this assumption, Cicero's argument would not be applicable to wise people, as they would not be involved in the evaluation process that leads to emotions.
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Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero...
Understanding Cicero's Reasoning
Cicero's contemplation on the Stoic ideal of emotionlessness reveals much about human nature and wisdom. His argument hinges on the relationship between emotions and evaluations of experiences.
Key Assumption: Wise Evaluation
The correct answer, option 'A', asserts that wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe. Here's why this assumption is crucial for Cicero's reasoning:
- Emotional Responses: Cicero posits that emotions arise from our judgments about the goodness or badness of experiences. If wise individuals do not evaluate their observations, they would lack the emotional responses that stem from such evaluations.
- Inherent Human Nature: The idea that emotions are a product of evaluation suggests that all individuals, including wise ones, inherently engage in this evaluative process. Without evaluations, Cicero's argument about the impossibility of achieving complete emotionlessness becomes invalid.
- Connection to Wisdom: Wisdom, in Cicero's view, involves understanding and navigating emotions rather than suppressing them. Thus, the ability to evaluate what one encounters is a fundamental aspect of being wise.
Why Other Options Fall Short
- Option 'B' incorrectly implies that irrationality prevents evaluation, which is not Cicero's focus.
- Option 'C' suggests that wisdom prevents attempts at unattainable goals, which is not central to the argument.
- Option 'D' makes a claim about the nature of reasoned evaluations that doesn't directly support Cicero's conclusion.
- Option 'E' limits evaluations to direct observations, which is not necessarily true in Cicero's framework.
In summary, Cicero's reasoning fundamentally depends on the idea that wise individuals evaluate their experiences, making option 'A' the necessary assumption.
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Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero once asked himself whether a wise person should try to achieve the Stoic ideal of complete emotionlessness. Cicero reasoned that, however desirable the goal may be, a wise person could never attain it, since emotions are not simply irrational urges. They are, rather, a product of ones estimate of the goodness and badness of the events, people, and actions one witnesses.Which of the following is an assumption required by Ciceros reasoning?a)Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.b)Irrationality makes evaluation of what one observes impossible.c)Wisdom precludes attempting to attain what one cannot.d)If evaluations are based only on reason, then they are inaccurate.e)A wise person will not evaluate what cannot be directly observed.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero once asked himself whether a wise person should try to achieve the Stoic ideal of complete emotionlessness. Cicero reasoned that, however desirable the goal may be, a wise person could never attain it, since emotions are not simply irrational urges. They are, rather, a product of ones estimate of the goodness and badness of the events, people, and actions one witnesses.Which of the following is an assumption required by Ciceros reasoning?a)Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.b)Irrationality makes evaluation of what one observes impossible.c)Wisdom precludes attempting to attain what one cannot.d)If evaluations are based only on reason, then they are inaccurate.e)A wise person will not evaluate what cannot be directly observed.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Distressed by his own personal tragedies, the Roman philosopher Cicero once asked himself whether a wise person should try to achieve the Stoic ideal of complete emotionlessness. Cicero reasoned that, however desirable the goal may be, a wise person could never attain it, since emotions are not simply irrational urges. They are, rather, a product of ones estimate of the goodness and badness of the events, people, and actions one witnesses.Which of the following is an assumption required by Ciceros reasoning?a)Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.b)Irrationality makes evaluation of what one observes impossible.c)Wisdom precludes attempting to attain what one cannot.d)If evaluations are based only on reason, then they are inaccurate.e)A wise person will not evaluate what cannot be directly observed.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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