The Ship of Theseus presents a timeless philosophical

Question

The Ship of Theseus presents a timeless philosophical dilemma about identity. If every part of a ship is gradually replaced, does it remain the same ship? Advocates of the continuity theory argue that the identity of the ship persists due to the uninterrupted nature of its existence. According to this view, identity is defined not by its components but by the consistent function and form the ship maintains over time. They posit that the replacement of parts is an inevitable part of maintaining any object, especially one as complex as a ship, and that identity is not tied to its material composition.

Critics, however, point to the replacement theory, arguing that if all parts are swapped out, the original ship ceases to exist. Yet, this objection fails to consider the broader implications of how identity is maintained in human experience. Just as a person’s body renews itself with new cells over time, their identity remains constant despite these changes. The essential character of the ship remains embedded in its form and purpose, not in the physical materials that make it up. Hence, the Ship of Theseus remains the same ship, as long as its continuity of purpose and function is preserved.

1  Q1. Which of the following best explains the apparent contradiction between the replacement theory and the continuity theory as discussed in the passage? 
A) The replacement theory focuses on the material components, while the continuity theory emphasizes purpose and function. 
B) The replacement theory assumes that objects lose their identity as soon as any part is replaced, while the continuity theory assumes identity is immutable. 
C) The replacement theory applies only to physical objects, whereas the continuity theory applies exclusively to living organisms. 
D) Both theories suggest that replacing parts changes the identity of an object, but they differ on whether the change occurs immediately or gradually. 
E) The replacement theory argues that function and purpose are irrelevant to identity, while the continuity theory ignores the significance of physical components altogether.

2  Q2. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of the passage? 
A) The author raises a problem, presents evidence favoring one theory, and briefly mentions counterarguments to that theory. 
B) The author presents a philosophical dilemma, explains two contrasting viewpoints, and uses an analogy to challenge one of the viewpoints. 
C) The author introduces a paradox, examines two possible theories, and concludes by fully rejecting one theory in favor of the other. 
D) The passage introduces a historical debate, discusses the evolution of two opposing theories, and explains how the issue has been resolved. 
E) The passage outlines a theoretical problem, contrasts two competing perspectives, and leaves the issue open for further debate.

3  Q3. Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage regarding the continuity theory's stance on the identity of living organisms? 
A) The continuity theory suggests that living organisms maintain their identity through both their physical components and their overarching function, even if the components change over time. 
B) Living organisms and non-living objects, such as the Ship of Theseus, share an equivalent process of identity preservation, despite the gradual replacement of their physical elements. 
C) The continuity theory implies that living organisms are better suited to maintain their identity over time due to the organic nature of their physical changes. 
D) The continuity theory prioritizes the function and purpose of living organisms over their physical composition, but acknowledges that physical changes could have some impact on their identity. 
E) Living organisms, unlike non-living objects, are inherently tied to their physical components when it comes to the preservation of identity, although their function is also a factor.

Harsh1h · Answer

for question no -3 , how option D is wrong?

catinabox · Answer

Agreed, made a tweak to account for this.

catinabox · Answer

Here are the official solutions:

Q1. Which of the following best explains the apparent contradiction between the replacement theory and the continuity theory as discussed in the passage?

Correct Answer:  A

Explanation: 
A) Correct. The passage explains that the replacement theory is concerned with the material components of the ship, stating that the identity is lost when all parts are replaced. In contrast, the continuity theory emphasizes that identity is tied to the ship’s function and purpose, not the material parts. 
B) Incorrect. This answer exaggerates the claims of both theories. The replacement theory does not argue that identity is lost as soon as a single part is replaced, and the continuity theory does not suggest that identity is completely immutable. 
C) Incorrect. The passage applies both theories to the Ship of Theseus, which is a physical object. Although the continuity theory uses an analogy involving living organisms, both theories apply to the same object, so this answer misrepresents their scope. 
D) Incorrect. This option misrepresents the continuity theory. The continuity theory does not suggest that replacing parts changes the identity; rather, it maintains that identity remains the same as long as purpose and function are preserved. 
E) Incorrect. The continuity theory does not ignore the physical components altogether, but argues that they are less significant than function and purpose.

Q2. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of the passage?

Correct Answer:  B

Explanation: 
A) Incorrect. The passage does not focus solely on presenting evidence for one theory and briefly mentioning counterarguments. Instead, it explores both theories in detail before challenging one of them. 
B) Correct. The passage introduces the Ship of Theseus paradox, presents the continuity theory and the replacement theory as opposing views, and uses an analogy (human body renewal) to challenge the replacement theory. 
C) Incorrect. The passage critiques one theory (replacement theory) but does not fully reject it in favor of the other. There is a preference toward the continuity theory, but not a full rejection. 
D) Incorrect. The passage does not address any historical evolution or resolution of the debate. It focuses strictly on the theoretical aspects of the Ship of Theseus paradox. 
E) Incorrect. While the passage contrasts two perspectives, it does not leave the issue unresolved. The author leans toward favoring the continuity theory by critiquing the replacement theory.

Q3. Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage regarding the continuity theory's stance on the identity of living organisms?

Correct Answer:  B

Explanation: 
A) Incorrect. This option inaccurately suggests that the continuity theory gives equal weight to both physical components and function. However, the theory downplays the importance of physical components and emphasizes that identity is maintained through function and purpose, regardless of changes in material parts. 
B) Correct. This option correctly infers that, according to the continuity theory, both living organisms and non-living objects (like the Ship of Theseus) retain their identity in a similar manner—through continuous function and purpose, even as their physical parts are replaced over time. The passage explicitly draws this analogy between the human body and the ship. 
C) Incorrect. The continuity theory does not imply that living organisms are inherently better at maintaining their identity due to the nature of their changes. 
D) Incorrect. While the continuity theory emphasizes function and purpose, it doesn’t acknowledge that physical changes have an impact on identity.
E) Incorrect. The passage makes no distinction between how living organisms and non-living objects maintain their identity, implying that both are primarily defined by their function and purpose, not their physical composition.

Ilanchezhiyan · Answer

The said theory doesn't give importance to physical appearance. Please read lines 6-8.

The Ship of Theseus presents a timeless philosophical

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The Ship of Theseus presents a timeless philosophical

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