MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Question 109: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 109
3. Which of the following items of information from the passage most supports the author's claim that Smith believed that the economy can be not only studied but influenced by human actions?
- A. Smith felt that the system of benevolent ethics was too simple and left no room for the inferior virtues.
- B. Smith combined two doctrines to create his invisible hand theory.
- C. Smith introduced a historical method into the study of economy.
- D. Smith criticized businessmen who did not act in their own best interest.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
D This is a Structure question.
Note: This question asks you to decide which of the four statements cited in the choices is most directly used within the passage as support for the author's own claim that Smith believed the economy can be influenced.
A: No. This statement represents the inspiration for Smith's theory, but does not demonstrate that Smith feels that the economy can be influenced.
B: No. The fact that the "invisible hand" theory combines two different elements (the doctrines of "God's providential benevolence and man's earthly self-interest" (paragraph 2) does not show that Smith feels that the economy can be influenced. These are two separate issues in the passage.
C: No. This answer speaks to how the economy is now studied (paragraph 6), but has no direct relevance to whether or not the economy can actually be influenced.
D: Yes. The fact that Smith actively tried to get farmers, workers, and manufacturers to act in their own best interest (and not just their perception of it) clearly indicates that by changing their behavior, he feels that he can change the marketplace (see paragraph 2). Therefore, out of the four choices (all of which are from the passage), this information most acts to give support for the claim cited in the question stem.