PSAT Reading Question 456: Answer and Explanation

Question: 456

According to Passage 1, Emerson has what attitude toward the human capacity for under-standing?

• A. Optimism
• B. Skepticism
• C. Abstraction
• D. Historicism

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Emerson believes in "the perfection of the creation so far," arguing that man can "satisfy" all "curiosity." So Emerson's attitude is optimistic that as long as we pose questions, we can intelligently and coherently discover answers. Choice (B) is the opposite. Although Emerson's argument is abstract, or existing through ideas and theoretical concepts, this doesn't describe his attitude toward human understanding. Similarly, historicism is the theory that culture is determined by history. This is what Emerson desires to change. Again, it is not accurate in describing his attitude toward human understanding.