Text 1: Historian Dr. Lisa Park studies collective memory. "Societies remember events selectively to support current identities," Park writes. "Historical narratives serve present purposes. Memory is constructed, not simply preserved."
Text 2: Moral philosopher Dr. Daniel Wong argues for historical accuracy. "Acknowledging past wrongs is essential for justice," Wong contends. "Selective memory that erases atrocities fails victims and prevents genuine reconciliation. Truth matters morally regardless of present purposes."
Based on the texts, how do Park's and Wong's approaches to collective memory differ?
Park describes how memory functions while Wong prescribes how it should function
Park studies memory while Wong argues memory doesn't exist
Park focuses on atrocities while Wong focuses on celebrations
Park is a philosopher while Wong is a historian
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. Park describes memory's actual operation—selective, serving present needs. Wong argues for what memory should do—acknowledge truth regardless of present benefit. Descriptive vs. normative.
- Evidence: Park: "is constructed"; Wong: "should" acknowledge wrongs.
- Reasoning: Park explains; Wong evaluates and prescribes.
- Conclusion: The difference is descriptive sociology vs. normative ethics.
Choice B is incorrect because Wong engages with memory. Choice C is incorrect because Wong focuses on atrocities, not Park. Choice D is incorrect because the disciplines are reversed.