English » Reading Comprehension
Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.
To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.
Question: 5 - The reference to a bow and an arrow in the passage:
serves as an example of Plato's strength
teaches us to stay focused on target
shows us a track of dazzling brilliance in man's history
shows us the comparative strengths and weaknesses of Platonic and Baconian systems