In the passage, choose the correct preposition for the blank: They require a rigour and an inventiveness _____________ ethical thinking.

Introduction / Context:

This cloze passage sentence deals with the collocation of abstract nouns and prepositions. The writer is talking about rituals of apology and justice that require certain qualities related to ethical thinking. You must choose the preposition that correctly links rigour and inventiveness with ethical thinking in formal written English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence fragment: They require a rigour and an inventiveness _____________ ethical thinking.
• Options: with, of, to, against.
• The pronoun they refers to rituals of apology and questions of justice, reconciliation, and ethical repair.
• We assume that ethical thinking is the domain or area in which rigour and inventiveness are needed.

Concept / Approach:

In English, abstract nouns such as rigour and inventiveness often take the preposition of to indicate the domain to which they belong, especially in formal writing. Phrases like a rigour of analysis and the inventiveness of imagination are common. The preposition with might suggest association, to often suggests direction, and against implies opposition, none of which properly express the idea that ethical thinking is the field in which these qualities are manifested.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Consider analogous phrases in academic writing: They require a rigour of reasoning and an inventiveness of method. These patterns show that the preposition of is standard for linking qualities to a field of thought. If we substitute ethical thinking for reasoning, we get rigour and inventiveness of ethical thinking, which feels natural in philosophical discourse.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

With is wrong because it suggests simple accompaniment rather than inherent qualities arising within ethical thinking.

To is wrong as it indicates movement or direction, which is not the intended relation here.

Against is clearly wrong because it means in opposition to ethical thinking, which contradicts the rest of the passage that values ethical reflection.

Common Pitfalls:

Preposition questions are tricky because many combinations sound almost acceptable. Candidates sometimes choose with by habit, since it is widely used. The key is to remember common formal collocations such as strength of character and rigour of analysis, which guide you towards the correct choice of of in this sentence.

Final Answer:

The correct preposition is of, giving a rigour and an inventiveness of ethical thinking.