Among philosophers of science, there is much debate over the role of

Question

Among philosophers of science, there is much debate over the role of sense data. For many thinkers, the entire foundation of empirical science can be reduced to perceptions, and therefore experiences. But some philosophers have taken issue with this perspective. One critique involves the means by which we accept a statement as justified.

Unless we allow that scientific statements be accepted on faith alone, a view distasteful to many members of the scientific enterprise, then we must have some way of justifying our propositions. One approach to justification involves deductive justification, in which a proposition is subject to logical argument. But this method fails because it leads to an infinite regress. The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity.

So justification cannot come through the use of argument. Another way to avoid dogmatism in the sciences is justification through perceptual experience. This sort of sense data, according to some philosophers, is immediate knowledge, through which we may justify our mediate knowledge. From this perspective, all knowledge of facts must be reducible to statements about our direct experiences. But this view fails as well to provide justification for scientific statements. This is because science strives for universals and our immediate experience can be nothing more than particular.    1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. present an overview of a scientific controversy
B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue
C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science
D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science
E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method

2 
 2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if

A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data
B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies
C. some statements in the argument require no justification
D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified
E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises

3 
 3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that

A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions
B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification
C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge
D. all scientific knowledge must be universal
E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic   
    GMAT Club Reading Comprehension (RC) Quiz-I 2024   
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 Passage # 08  |  Date: 04 March 2024
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missionmba2025 · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. present an overview of a scientific controversy

The passage doesn't provide an overview of scientific controversy. It presents a view of the "philosophers of science".

B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue

This is correct. The passage is descriptive in nature and presents a philosophical issue.

C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science

This is incorrect. The passage doesn't intend to solve a problem. It mentions two schools of thoughts -  justification involving deductive justification & justification through perceptual experience. Hence, we can eliminate B.

D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science

The passage doesn't present any opposing view. Hence we can eliminate this option.

E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method

The passage doesn't intend to provide any details or paradox. Hence, we can eliminate this option.

2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if

Refer to this line in the second paragraph " But this method fails because it leads to an infinite regress. The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity. "

A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data

The concept of sense data is not mentioned in deductive justification. Hence, we can eliminate this option.

B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies

The reason that the author thinks deductive argument goes into infinite regress is because a  a proposition must themselves be justified. No reference to inconsistencies are mentioned in the argument (2nd para). Hence, we can eliminate this option.

C. some statements in the argument require no justification

This is true. If some statements require no justification, then "a proposition must themselves be justified." is not applicable. Hence the problem of infinite regress can be avoided.

D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified

This is not correct. The problem of infinite regress is caused as " The   statements used to justify a proposition   .."  requires further justification, not just the assumptions.

E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises

This is incorrect and won't resolve the problem of infinite regress. Eliminate E.

3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that

A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions

The passage lists down two justification approaches and each approach has its limitations. Hence, the passage probably indicates that there is no way of justifying scientific propositions. Keep.

B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification

This is not true. The passage mentions these two justifications, however the passage doesn't state that these are the only two types of justifications available. Hence, we can eliminate B.

C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge

The two methods employ different technique and there is no information that can help us conclude that a combination is sufficient. Hence, we can eliminate this option.

D. all scientific knowledge must be universal

The passage mentions that " This is because science   strives   for universals ". The passage doesn't mentions that all scientific knowledge  must  be universal. Hence this is incorrect. We can eliminate D.

E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic

This information cannot be deduced. Hence, we can eliminate this option.

Answers :
1.  B
2.  C
3.  A

Oppenheimer1945 · Answer

P1: A debate on sense data...Many believe in perceptions/experiences...
P2: A way to justify propostions (deductive reasoning) ... it fails
P3: Another way is suggested (experience/immediate knowledge). But this fails in scientific statements

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
 A. present an overview of a scientific controversy (there is debate on sense data . Author presnets overview of the same) 
B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue (philosophical issue is not discussed here. Philophophers are discusssing the issue)
C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science (Author in no way solves a problem)
D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science (the 2 views are not opposing)
E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method (paradox is not discussed)

The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity.

2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if
A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data
B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies
 C. some statements in the argument require no justification (True. we need to kill the infinite chain of events) 
D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified
E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises

This is because science strives for universals and our immediate experience can be nothing more than particular.
3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that
A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions (way too extreme to be said by author)
B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification (way too extreme to be said by author)
C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge (both methdo fails as per author)
 D. all scientific knowledge must be universal (only choice) 
E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic

mayankdgmat · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

IMO A

A. present an overview of a scientific controversy
Yes, role of sense data is debated and further explained

B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue
No, scientific issue was discussed

C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science
Problem was not soved, instead it was explained.

D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science
Science defination was not given

E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method
There was no paradox

2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if

IMO E

A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data
Still every premise need to be justified. No effect

B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies
But still we have to solve chain of premise justification.

C. some statements in the argument require no justification
Still we don't know if there are infinite statement to justify.

D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified
may be assumtions are justified but premise are still need to be justified

E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises
Yes, now there is limited no of premises need to be jusitified

3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that

IMO A

A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions
Yes, because author has mentioned flaws in both 2nd and 3rd paragraph

B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification
No they have flaws

C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge
No both independently are not sufficient

D. all scientific knowledge must be universal
universal is not mentioned with respect to scientific knowledge

E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic
We don't know. way to avoid science becoming dogamtic is only mentioned.

Sss678 · Answer

Q1. The primary purpose of the passage is to 
My answer is A)
 A. present an overview of a scientific controversy 
The author mentions the scientific controversy in the first para and introduces its two aspects in the second and third paragraphs.

B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue
The issue does not involve pure philosophical aspect but more on the philosophy of science.

C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science
The author describes the ocntroversy but does not provide any solution to it.

D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science
The views mentioned are related to the role of sense data and logicaal arguments. There is no discussion of meaning of science.

E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method
The passage talks about a debate, not a paradox.

Q2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if 
My answer is D)
 D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified 
According to the passage, the justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if the statements used to justify it themselves are justified or in other words, the assumptions inherent to the argument and the statements are justified.

A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data
The discussion on sense data comes in the third para, it is not the cause or effect of the infinite regress in deductive arguments

B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies
It talks about the statements involved to justify the deductive argument too, not just the argument. So, this answer choice does not capture the essence of the author's viewpoint.

C. some statements in the argument require no justification
The author talks about all the statements involved to must have been justified infinitely, not just some arguments not requiring justification at all.

E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises
There is no mention of the number of arguments required to justify the deductive argument.

Q3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that 
My answer is E)
 E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic 
It is evident in the following line -"Another way to avoid dogmatism in the sciences is justification through perceptual experience."

A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions
Irrelevant to the passage

B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification
There is no mention of the presence of only these two types anywhere in the passage.

C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge
Neither justification is sufficient as per the author and there is no mention of combination of these two types.

D. all scientific knowledge must be universal
The author does not state as such in the passage.

Anugmat740 · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to P1

ebate on sense data in science. P2: Challenges in justification methods. A. present an overview of a scientific controversy - The scientific controversy is part of the philospical issue, B better captures the primary passage. B. describe a perplexing philosophical issue - Correct, in line with our summary of the passage a perplexing philosphical issue related to the sense of the data C. solve a problem in the philosophy of science - Author is not solving the problem. D. present two opposing views on the meaning of science - Two opposing views are presented to discuss the confusing philospical issue. E. detail a logical paradox inherent in the scientific method - Scientifc method is used to resolve the philosphical issue. 2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if Refer to the line "But this method fails because it leads to an infinite regress. The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity." A. some of the deductive arguments are based on sense data - Yes, but they still leads to infinite regress problem. B. the deductive argument contains no logical inconsistencies - Logical consistency is not part of the argument. C. some statements in the argument require no justification - But other which require justification may lead to infinite regress. D. the assumptions used in the argument are themselves justified - If the assumptions are justified than the argument will not be in a circular loop explaining one after the another. E. the argument relies on a limited number of premises- But this still opens the possibility of infinite regress. 3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that Refer to the line "But this method fails because it leads to an infinite regress. The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity." A. there is no way of justifying scientific propositions - The word no way indicate there is no possibility which is not correct. B. deductive justification and perceptual justification are the only types of scientific justification - These two are presented in the passage, but we cannot infer that other than these no justification can be given. C. some combination of deductive and perceptual justification is sufficient to justify scientific knowledge D. all scientific knowledge must be universal -Science strives for knowledge but we cannot infer that all scientific knowledge must be universal. E. without a way of justifying scientific knowledge, science becomes dogmatic - Correct, refer to the line "The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity." This mentions that we need to justify the propositions themself first else science will become dogmatic. IMO BDE

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

The competition mode is off; Now you can see your responses.

The OAs are also revealed:

B C E

Day 5  questions are posted. This is the last day of competition, so give your 100% to be on top. All official explanations will be posted at 8:45 am Pacific.

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Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Explanation

The passage begins by introducing a debate over the role of sense data in the scientific field. The rest of the passage shows the shortcomings inherent in two views of justification in the sciences.  Choice (B)  is the best match for the passage.

Choice (A)  is incorrect because the controversy is not in the scientific community, but in the philosophic community.

Choice (C)  is incorrect because the problem is not solved.

Choice (D)  is not right because the issue is not about the meaning of science.

Choice (E)  is incorrect because the passage is not about the scientific method, but science in general.

The correct answer is (B).

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The author of the passage would most likely agree that justification through deductive argument could avoid the problem of infinite regress if

Explanation

The passage describes the problem of infinite regress as one in which The statements used to justify a proposition must themselves be justified, and so too those statements, into infinity. This problem could be avoided if some of the statements in the chain do not need to be justified, as  (C)  states.

Choice (A)  confuses the two forms of justification.

Choice (B)  doesn’t matter because the point is that, even if the argument is sound, more arguments must be used to justify the argument.

Choice (D)  won’t help because even if the initial argument is sound, the passage states that more arguments are needed to justify the first argument. The number of statements is not the issue, as  (E)  indicates.

The correct answer is (C).

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. The author of the passage would mostly agree that

Explanation

To answer this question, use Process of Elimination on the choices.

Choice (A)  should be eliminated because it goes too far. The author considers two forms of justification and rejects them, but that does not mean there are not other, valid forms of justification.

Choice (B)  is incorrect because the author does not indicate that those are the only two methods of justification.

The author never states that a combination of the methods is workable, so  (C)  is wrong.

Choice (D)  is not correct because the author states that science strives for the universal. That is not the same as saying that all scientific knowledge must be universal.

Choice (E)  is supported in the second paragraph, Unless we allow that scientific statements be accepted on faith alone…then we must have some way of justifying our propositions. Thus, without justification, science becomes dogmatic.

The correct answer is (E).

Legenddary1234 · Answer

Sajjad1994 
Can you please check answers/explanation not visible !

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Thank you!

Sorted out.

Among philosophers of science, there is much debate over the role of

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Among philosophers of science, there is much debate over the role of

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