(D) states "it is used to illustrate what the critic takes to be the most important aspect of SCIENTIFIC theories." There is no reference to therapeutic theories or psychological ones in (D).
Furthermore, this is not the role played by the statement about the relative therapeutic success of many popular psychological theories. This statement is used to override the considerations against these popular psychological theories set forth in the first sentence, i.e. "they are inelegant and do not help to dispel the mystery that surrounds our psyche."
Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
MaatAugust 22, 2020
I also picked D. Psychological theories ARE scientific theories. Is psychology not a science?
Also, how is the statement about the relative therapeutic success of many popular psychological theories not used to illustrate what the critic takes to be the most important aspect of scientific theories? I would actually argue that the statement in question is used to play that role much more than override the claim that they are inelegant.
They therapeutically tend to have greater success thus produce the right results. This is then shown to demonstrate why the claim that they're inelegant... are unimportant... thus overriding those considerations against these theories.
AHA! Got it. Thank you.
Sometimes, you just really need to map it all out. This one was very difficult for me.
MaatAugust 22, 2020
@maat that was me above. I forgot to tag myself.
MaatAugust 22, 2020
I want to be very clear before putting this problem to bed. Can someone please explain how the theory isn't used to illustrate what the critic takes to be the most important aspect of scientific (arguably psychological) theories? The critic clearly thinks that producing the right results is the most important aspect of scientific theory.
