Summarize Argument
The author claims that “ambiguity inspires interpretation.” The argument proceeds with an example to prove this claim: a particular phrase is ambiguous, and has therefore been interpreted in different ways by different people.
Identify Argument Part
The claim that “ambiguity inspires interpretation” is the main conclusion of the argument. It is supported by the example of an ambiguous phrase that has prompted interpretation.
A
It is used to support the argument’s conclusion.
The claim that “ambiguity inspires interpretation” does not support anything else in the argument. Instead, it is supported by an example.
B
It is an illustration of the claim that we are the measure of all things.
The author never actually claims that we are the measure of all things. That’s just an example of an ambiguous phrase, not something that’s argued to be true. Also, nothing in the argument illustrates that we are the measure of all things.
C
It is compatible with either accepting or rejecting the argument’s conclusion.
Since the claim that “ambiguity inspires interpretation” is the argument’s conclusion, it cannot be compatible with rejecting the argument’s conclusion. That would be self-contradictory.
D
It is a view that other statements in the argument are intended to support.
This describes the main conclusion, which is precisely what the claim that “ambiguity inspires interpretation” is. The only other statement in the argument is an example which illustrates this principle, thereby supporting it.
E
It sets out a difficulty the argument is intended to solve.
The argument doesn’t attempt to solve any kind of difficulty. The author’s goal is instead to demonstrate a particular claim to be true through the use of an example.
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