Question

What is the likely purpose of the passage?

A.
to explain the severe difficulties faced by doctors
B.
to encourage skepticism toward the medical profession
C.
to argue that doctors, as a group, are unusually evil people
D.
to imply that common medical practices do more harm than good

Answer 1

The purpose of the passage is likely to encourage a critical perspective and skepticism towards the medical profession, highlighting the importance of debate and evidence in the evolution of medical practices.

The likely purpose of the passage is B. to encourage skepticism toward the medical profession. The passage discusses historical medical practices such as bloodletting, questioning their effectiveness and suggesting that medical practices change and grow through skepticism and debate.

The passage also points toward the importance of critical thinking regarding medical claims and practices.

Through the examples provided, it is clear that the passage encourages one to consider the evidence behind medical practices and to be aware of changing moral and scientific perspectives in the field of medicine.