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1. Both passages are concerned with answering which one of the following questions?
Answer: B

(A) Should people be punished for actions that are outside of their control?
(B) Does scientific research into the brain have implications regarding freedom of the will?
(C) Can actions that are not free be effectively deterred by the threat of punishment?
(D) Is the view that retribution is a legitimate justification for punishment compatible with the findings of neuroscience?
(E) Can an action be free if someone else physically forced the actor to perform it?

Both passages address the question of how scientific research into the brain affects freedom of the will. Passage A presents the viewpoint that the brain entirely determines a person's behavior and how this changes our understanding of the law. Passage B presents an alternative viewpoint that free will can coexist with determinism and depends on the source of the cause of action. Thus, both passages discuss the question of free will and its implications in light of neuroscientific findings.
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Explanation

4. Passage B differs from passage A in that passage B displays an attitude toward the ideas it discusses that is more

Explanation

The question is asking about the relative tones of the passages. Use your Bottom Line of each passage.

A. No. This answer choice is reversed. Passage A is advocating a point of view, while passage B is presenting a theory.

B. No. Neither passage is negative in tone.

C. Yes. Passage A is advocating a point of view, while passage B is presenting a theory without passing judgment.

D. No. Neither passage uses irony.E. No. Neither passage is negative in tone.

Answer: C

Hi! Could you be more specific, why the correct answer is C and cannot be B ?
Opinion: option (C) "detached" suggests a more neutral or objective stance, which doesn't accurately capture the confrontational or critical tone that Passage B takes towards the ideas in Passage A.
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Hi! Could you be more specific, why the correct answer is C and cannot be B ?
Opinion: option (C) "detached" suggests a more neutral or objective stance, which doesn't accurately capture the confrontational or critical tone that Passage B takes towards the ideas in Passage A.

(C) Detached: Passage B presents the ideas of Alfred J. Ayer and discusses the concept of "soft determinism" without displaying a strong emotional or judgmental tone. It presents the arguments and ideas in a neutral and objective manner, allowing readers to consider the ideas on their own merits. It doesn't take a strong stance against or in favor of these ideas, and it doesn't dismiss them outright. Instead, it explores the concept of free will within the context of determinism, leaving room for readers to form their own opinions.

(B) Dismissive: The term "dismissive" implies a negative or scornful attitude towards the ideas being discussed. Passage B does not exhibit such an attitude. It does not ridicule or reject Ayer's theory of soft determinism or the idea that free will can coexist with determinism. Instead, it presents Ayer's arguments and provides a reasoned discussion of these ideas. There is no indication that the passage is dismissive of these ideas.
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