Text 1: Historian Dr. Ellen Park studies the Enlightenment. "Enlightenment thinkers established principles of reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry that underpin modern democracy," Park writes. "We remain inheritors of this intellectual revolution."
Text 2: Postcolonial scholar Dr. Samuel Obi offers critique. "Enlightenment ideals of universal humanity coexisted with colonial exploitation," Obi observes. "Philosophers who championed freedom often justified slavery. The tradition carries these contradictions."
How does Obi's perspective relate to Park's assessment of the Enlightenment?
It completely rejects everything Park values about the era
It adds historical context that complicates Park's positive framing
It argues the Enlightenment never actually occurred
It supports Park's claims with additional examples
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Obi doesn't reject Enlightenment value but adds "coexisted" contradictions—ideals alongside exploitation. Historical nuance complicates without replacing Park's positive reading.
- Evidence: Obi: ideals "coexisted with colonial exploitation."
- Reasoning: Complexity, not rejection—both elements existed.
- Conclusion: Obi complicates rather than replaces Park's view.
Choice A is incorrect because Obi acknowledges ideals, not just critique. Choice C is incorrect because Obi examines the period closely. Choice D is incorrect because Obi challenges, not supports, Park's framing.