Question

Read the passage from Of the Wisdom of the Ancients.

Now the philosophy of the Greeks, which in investigating the material principles of things is careful and acute, in inquiring the principles of motion, wherein lies all vigour of operation, is negligent and languid; and on the point now in question seems to be altogether blind and babbling; for that opinion of the Peripatetics which refers the original impulse of matter to privation, is little more than words—a name for the thing rather than a description of it.

Which phrase from the passage best states its central idea?

the philosophy of the Greeks, which in investigating the material principles of things is careful and acute
in inquiring the principles of motion, wherein lies all vigour of operation, is negligent and languid
refers the original impulse of matter to privation
a name for the thing rather than a description of it

Answer 1

The passage suggests that Greek philosophy failed to adequately explore the principles of motion. The Greeks were strong in logical reasoning on material principles but neglected empirical study, which led to gaps in their scientific understanding, despite their commitment to rational inquiry.

The central idea of the provided passage from Of the Wisdom of the Ancients is best summarized by the phrase “in inquiring the principles of motion, wherein lies all vigour of operation, is negligent and languid”.

This highlights how the author critiques Greek philosophy for its lack of rigor in exploring the principles of motion and energy, which are fundamental to understanding natural phenomena. The Greeks, revered for their logic and reasoning in material principles, fall short in their investigation of motion, a contrast that underscores their philosophical limitations.

Ancient Greek philosophy is marked by its approach to understanding the world through reason and thought without relying on empirical experimentation. Despite their intellectual achievements, their dismissal of experimentation led to significant oversights, like the rejection of Democritus' atomism, which only gained acceptance over two millennia later. Yet, their legacy is grounded in the spirit of rational inquiry, a core aspect of their pursuit of natural philosophy.