Craft and StructureVery hardChoosing a precise verb in a philosophy text
Craft and Structure practice question
The philosopher's argument turns on a quiet observation: the everyday practice of blaming someone ____ that the person could have done otherwise — remove that assumption, and the reproach collapses into mere description of an unfortunate event.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
- A. presupposesCorrect
- B. precludes
- C. parodies
- D. postpones
Answer: A. presupposes
To blame someone coherently, you must already assume they could have acted otherwise — the practice 'presupposes' (takes for granted) that freedom.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. precludes
- 'Precludes' means rules out; the argument is that blame requires the assumption, not that it forbids it.
- C. parodies
- Nothing in the sentence involves mocking or imitation.
- D. postpones
- The assumption is built into blame from the start, not delayed.
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