2026年3月托福机经套卷(第6套)Read an Academic Passage5 道题

Beyond Philosophy's Borders

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Beyond Philosophy's Borders Metaphilosophy is a field that looks critically at whether philosophical inquiry can truly transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. While traditional philosophy often aims to uncover universal truths, metaphilosophy questions whether such truths are even accessible across diverse contexts. Language, far from being a neutral vessel, shapes and limits how ideas are expressed and understood. A concept that resonates deeply in one culture may carry entirely different connotations—or none at all—in another. This raises concerns about the global applicability of philosophical frameworks developed in specific cultural milieus. Are we uncovering truths or merely reinforcing culturally contingent assumptions? Some insist that despite linguistic and cultural variation, certain philosophical concerns—like suffering, justice, or mortality—are shared across societies, suggesting a basis for universality. Yet even these themes may be interpreted through culturally specific lenses. Metaphilosophy doesn't deny the possibility of cross-cultural dialogue but cautions against assuming it is seamless. It encourages philosophers to examine how their methods and assumptions travel—or fail to—across contexts. Critics worry this reflexivity may stall progress, but others see it as essential for avoiding intellectual overreach. By foregrounding these tensions, metaphilosophy aims not to dilute philosophy's aims, but to sharpen them through greater self-awareness and methodological rigor.

Question 1查看单题

According to the passage, metaphilosophy challenges which of the following basic assumptions of philosophical inquiry?

AThe world can be understood through logical analysis.

BArgumentation is a suitable tool for analyzing ideas.

CHuman experience is a good source of philosophical insight.

DThe conceptual tools that philosophy provides are universal.

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正确答案：D

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Question 2查看单题

Why does the author note that concepts may carry different connotations across different cultures?

ATo support the claim that philosophical frameworks apply globally

BTo illustrate the idea of crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries

CTo provide a justification for metaphilosophical investigations

DTo challenge the claim that language affects how ideas are expressed

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正确答案：C

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Question 3查看单题

The word "milieus" in the passage is closest in meaning to

Aenvironments

Bcategories

Ccenters

Didentities

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正确答案：A

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Question 4查看单题

Identify the sentence in paragraph 2 that describes an argument against the claims of metaphilosophy. Select the sentence to make your choice.

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参考答案：Some insist that despite linguistic and cultural variation, certain philosophical concerns—like suffering, justice, or mortality—are shared across societies, suggesting a basis for universality.

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Question 5查看单题

Which of the following is one criticism of metaphilosophy mentioned in the passage?

AIt fails to challenge existing philosophical frameworks.

BIt may prevent philosophy from accomplishing its mission.

CIt is used by some philosophers to keep new ideas from becoming established.

DIt is incapable of evaluating ideas from diverse traditions.

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正确答案：B