See if we can make up our minds _____ in a statement

[Flogger]

Hello.

While taking an English test, I came across this question which sounds challenging to me. I chose #2 but the answer key says that #1 is correct. Why? Could you help me?

Let us take the terms “subjective” and “objective” and see if we can make up our minds ________ in a statement like this: “Philosophers, and artists are subjective; scientists, objective.”

1) what we mean by them
2) about what they mean whether it be

 

[jutfrank]

1) is the only option that makes sense.

The part whether it be in option 2 doesn't fit in this sentence. When we use use 'whether' there must be two things implied and here's there's just one.

 

[Tarheel]

The writer thinks philosophers and artists are subjective. (Maybe they are and maybe they're not.) Was the comma in the original?

 

[Flogger]

The writer thinks philosophers and artists are subjective. (Maybe they are and maybe they're not.) Was the comma in the original?

Yes it was

 

[emsr2d2]

Yes, it was.

Remember to punctuate your own sentences correctly, no matter how short the sentence.