Question

from the dialogues of plato
the republic of plato is the longest of his works with the exception of the laws, and is certainly the greatest of them. there are nearer approaches to modern metaphysics in the philebus and in the sophist; the politicus or statesman is more ideal; the form and institutions of the state are more clearly drawn out in the laws; as works of art, the symposium and the protagoras are of higher excellence. but no other dialogue of plato has the same largeness of view and the same perfection of style; no other shows an equal knowledge of the world, or contains more of those thoughts which are new as well as old, and not of one age only but of all. nowhere in plato is there a deeper irony or a greater wealth of humour or imagery, or more dramatic power. nor in any other of his writings is the attempt made to interweave life and speculation, or to connect politics with philosophy.
(from the dialogues of plato by benjamin jowett)
in the passage, the author argues that the republic is the greatest of platos dialogues.
which statement describes how the author develops this central idea?

1. he lists various weaknesses of other dialogues and contrasts each to a strength of republic.
2. he evaluates numerous characteristics of all the dialogues and explains with each one how republic is superior.
3. he first points out the shortcomings of other dialogues, and then describes the relative strengths of republic.

Explanation:

The author first states The Republic is Plato's greatest work, then compares it to other dialogues by noting specific strengths of those other works (e.g., Philebus has modern metaphysics, Symposium is a strong artistic work) but then explains how The Republic surpasses all: it has unmatched scope, perfect style, timeless ideas, dramatic power, and uniquely connects politics and philosophy. This means the author evaluates traits of all dialogues and shows how The Republic is superior in each relevant aspect. Option 1 and 3 are incorrect because the author does not focus on weaknesses of other dialogues, but rather their specific strengths while still framing The Republic as the greatest overall.

Answer:

1. He evaluates numerous characteristics of all the Dialogues and explains with each one how Republic is superior.