Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes the relationship between doing philosophy and studying philosophy as presented in the text. According to the text, studying philosophy requires being familiar with foundational texts and historical figures, while doing philosophy demands “the creative, self-directed application of acquired expertise”—a phrase implying that doing philosophy builds on knowledge gained through study. The text adds that those who do philosophy treat influential figures as “vital interlocutors who facilitate new insights” (that is, as dialogue partners whose ideas help generate new thinking). In other words, doing philosophy involves developing novel ideas through engagement with the ideas of past philosophers, knowledge of which can be acquired only by studying philosophy.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. While the text does state that studying philosophy requires engagement with historical texts and figures, the text describes doing philosophy as addressing “enduring questions about the nature of existence and knowledge,” which are abstract philosophical questions, not practical issues. Rather than formulating concrete solutions, doing philosophy involves the creative application of expertise to these broad, enduring questions.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t characterize doing philosophy as requiring students to challenge past philosophers’ ideas. Instead, the text suggests that those who do philosophy engage creatively with historical figures, which can, but doesn’t necessarily entail, opposition. Additionally, the text doesn’t claim that the ideas of past philosophers are broadly accepted by those studying philosophy.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss norms of scholarly inquiry or characterize either approach in terms of conforming to or departing from such norms. Rather, the text notes that doing philosophy can occur “within or beyond the academy,” which suggests compatibility with scholarly settings rather than an inevitable departure from them.