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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 17 Dec 2020, 22:26
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Bunuel
When scientists discuss the point in the evolutionary process at which a sense of fairness arose in human beings, one of two theories general prevails. The first theory holds that a sense of fairness – or, more generally, morality – is a late and mostly intellectual addition to the evolutionary process. In this view morality is defined as a set of rules agreed upon by a society, permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.” In certain circles this idea is known as “veneer theory,” because it posits human morality as a thin crust on a violently churning interior.

The second theory, by contrast, does not set nature and morality in direct opposition, but rather holds a sense of fairness to be as much a part of human “nature” as violence and competition. Advocates of this theory most often appeal to the behavior of other primates to argue that humans possess an innate sense of fairness common to other species of a shared evolutionary past. Orangutans, for example, have been observed to throw temper tantrums when teased by being shown an apple they are not allowed to have. Experiments with monkeys offering them two kinds of rewards for performing simple tasks have shown that they will refuse the less-preferred reward if they see their companions receiving the preferred reward for performing the same task.
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of this passage?

(a) To speculate about the origins of violence in humans and other primates.
(b) To refute the idea that human nature is inherently violent.
(c) To illustrate the ways in which primates demonstrate an inherent sense of fairness.
(d) To compare and contrast two theories about the development of a sense of fairness in human evolution.
(e) To criticize the assertion that human morality is intended to rise above the violence and competition found in nature.
Show Spoiler
D

2. According to the passage, the common concern of the two theories presented in the passage is

(a) Whether orangutans and other primates possess an innate sense of fairness.
(b) Whether a sense of fairness should be considered an earlier or more recent development in the evolution of human beings.
(c) Whether a sense of fairness can rightly be called morality.
(d) Whether morality is the basis of human social patterns, or is a surface concern.
(e) Whether morality is innate, or the result of a series of social interactions and agreements.
Show Spoiler
B

3. Which of the following, if added to the end of the passage, would make the best conclusion to the discussion of the second theory?

(a) For advocates of this theory, the behavior of primates offers evidence that a sense of fairness evolved before primate species differentiated, making morality just as “natural” to humans as violence and competition.
(b) In conclusion, both orangutans and monkeys were observed to raise strenuous objections when they felt that a received standard of fairness had somehow been violated.
(c) In contrast to veneer theory, then, the second theory’s use of observation and experiment lends it a credibility that can not be denied.
(d) Because orangutans and monkeys, at least in these examples, demonstrated a clear sense of fairness, it can reasonably be concluded that morality comes more naturally to them than it does to humans.
(e) Despite the suggestion that primates such as monkeys and orangutans possess an innate sense of fairness, however, most scientists continue to accept veneer theory.
Show Spoiler
A

4. The passage suggests which of the following about the condition of “nature,” according to veneer theory?

(a) Societies agree to rules of morality in order to recondition themselves to resist the violence and competition of nature.
(b) Nature is inherently violent and competitive and may be contained, but can not be changed.
(c) The violence and competition found in nature must be transformed by morality in order for humans to live peacefully.
(d) Human beings constitute a thin crust living on the outside of a chaotic core of nature.
(e) Morality is as much a part of nature as violence and competition.
Show Spoiler
B

5. According to the passage, which of the following is evidence that the development of a sense of fairness occurred early in the evolution of human beings?

(a) History shows that violence and competition have not been a significant part of human behavior.
(b) Societies establish laws designed to enforce agreed-upon ideals of fairness, and to protect members from violence.
(c) Observation demonstrates that this sense is shared by other primates such as orangutans and monkeys.
(d) Orangutans became visibly upset when they were unfairly denied something they wanted.
(e) Experiments involving monkeys prove that primates feel entitled to rewards when they have successfully completed simple tasks.
Show Spoiler
C

Show more


Hi AndrewN GMATNinja

Would need your views on 2 of the questions here.
In question 2, the question is on common "concerns". While i do understand that the two theories had a belief on fairness timings, but not able to consider them "concerns". Hence, wanted to know whether things like these are common in actual GMAC RCs or do you also think that these are poorly framed questions?

Also in question 4 option B(correct choice), i am not convinced that the passage mentions anything like "Nature can not be changed".
I have read explanations,but none satisfactory.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 18 Dec 2020, 16:57
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shanks2020

Hi AndrewN GMATNinja

Would need your views on 2 of the questions here.
In question 2, the question is on common "concerns". While i do understand that the two theories had a belief on fairness timings, but not able to consider them "concerns". Hence, wanted to know whether things like these are common in actual GMAC RCs or do you also think that these are poorly framed questions?

Also in question 4 option B(correct choice), i am not convinced that the passage mentions anything like "Nature can not be changed".
I have read explanations,but none satisfactory.
Show more
Hello, shanks2020. I have been quite busy with the Verbal end of the 12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition, so I am getting to this later than I would hope to. I will say that the questions, or rather the answers to the questions, seem a little different from their counterparts published by GMAC™. That does not mean you cannot study them, but do so more for fun than for GMAT™ preparation.

With that disclaimer, I am onboard with the OA for question 2. An according to the passage question should have a detail that can be found directly in the passage by matching keywords.

Question: the common concern presented in the two theories
Passage (opening line): When scientists discuss the point in the evolutionary process at which a sense of fairness arose in human beings, one of two theories general [sic] prevails.
Answer choice (B): Whether a sense of fairness should be considered an earlier or more recent development in the evolution of human beings.
The part above that mentions earlier or later that I have not drawn attention to is the very point that the two theories take a separate stance on. In short, I have no problem with (B). The textual evidence supports it.

In question 4, I think a decent argument could be made for either (A) or (B). The answers:
Bunuel
(a) Societies agree to rules of morality in order to recondition themselves to resist the violence and competition of nature.
(b) Nature is inherently violent and competitive and may be contained, but can not be changed.
Show more
The end of the first paragraph of the passage explains "veneer theory," but we have to backtrack by a sentence to answer the question, since we see this idea referenced just before. (What is this idea?) The previous sentence tells us that in the first theory,

morality is defined as a set of rules agreed upon by a society, permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.”

The part of answer choice (A) that is debatable is the point at which it provides a reason for societies to agree to rules of morality: in order to recondition themselves to resist violence and competition. But that permitting phrase from the passage could be interpreted along such lines, namely that humans societies agree to a set of rules in order to rise above baser instincts. The passage is not clear to this end.

Meanwhile, the same line might be used to support (B). The debatable element here is may be contained, but can not be changed, in reference to nature. How so? Well, if people can create rules to, again, "rise above" natural tendencies, then such tendencies could be thought to be suppressed—or contained—by the people within those societies.

I really cannot disqualify either answer, since the passage does not appear to provide further evidence in support of one interpretation or the other.

I hope that helps. Thank you for thinking to ask me.

- Andrew
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 19 Dec 2020, 00:09
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shanks2020

Hi AndrewN GMATNinja

Would need your views on 2 of the questions here.
In question 2, the question is on common "concerns". While i do understand that the two theories had a belief on fairness timings, but not able to consider them "concerns". Hence, wanted to know whether things like these are common in actual GMAC RCs or do you also think that these are poorly framed questions?

Also in question 4 option B(correct choice), i am not convinced that the passage mentions anything like "Nature can not be changed".
I have read explanations,but none satisfactory.
Hello, shanks2020. I have been quite busy with the Verbal end of the 12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition, so I am getting to this later than I would hope to. I will say that the questions, or rather the answers to the questions, seem a little different from their counterparts published by GMAC™. That does not mean you cannot study them, but do so more for fun than for GMAT™ preparation.

With that disclaimer, I am onboard with the OA for question 2. An according to the passage question should have a detail that can be found directly in the passage by matching keywords.

Question: the common concern presented in the two theories
Passage (opening line): When scientists discuss the point in the evolutionary process at which a sense of fairness arose in human beings, one of two theories general [sic] prevails.
Answer choice (B): Whether a sense of fairness should be considered an earlier or more recent development in the evolution of human beings.
The part above that mentions earlier or later that I have not drawn attention to is the very point that the two theories take a separate stance on. In short, I have no problem with (B). The textual evidence supports it.

In question 4, I think a decent argument could be made for either (A) or (B). The answers:
Bunuel
(a) Societies agree to rules of morality in order to recondition themselves to resist the violence and competition of nature.
(b) Nature is inherently violent and competitive and may be contained, but can not be changed.
The end of the first paragraph of the passage explains "veneer theory," but we have to backtrack by a sentence to answer the question, since we see this idea referenced just before. (What is this idea?) The previous sentence tells us that in the first theory,

morality is defined as a set of rules agreed upon by a society, permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.”

The part of answer choice (A) that is debatable is the point at which it provides a reason for societies to agree to rules of morality: in order to recondition themselves to resist violence and competition. But that permitting phrase from the passage could be interpreted along such lines, namely that humans societies agree to a set of rules in order to rise above baser instincts. The passage is not clear to this end.

Meanwhile, the same line might be used to support (B). The debatable element here is may be contained, but can not be changed, in reference to nature. How so? Well, if people can create rules to, again, "rise above" natural tendencies, then such tendencies could be thought to be suppressed—or contained—by the people within those societies.

I really cannot disqualify either answer, since the passage does not appear to provide further evidence in support of one interpretation or the other.

I hope that helps. Thank you for thinking to ask me.

- Andrew
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Hi AndrewN

Thanks for taking time out of your vacation times.
I agree to your logic for question 4.
But for question 2, while i agree to your explanation, but that is exactly what makes the answer not suitable. Per your words - The part above that mentions earlier or later that I have not drawn attention to is the very point that the two theories take a separate stance o - this is also my though. They take a separate stance on it. But the question asks for "COMMON" concern?
So two points here - 1st - they are not common
2nd - the passage does not mention them as "concerns". They are just shown as what you mentioned "different stance" or i would say belief. So my point is that deifferent belief or stance can not be equated to concern.
That is why, more than the answer, i am not very much satisfied with the question. Hence, even wondering if it is an official question also or not.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 19 Dec 2020, 05:17
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shanks2020

Hi AndrewN

Thanks for taking time out of your vacation times.
I agree to your logic for question 4.
But for question 2, while i agree to your explanation, but that is exactly what makes the answer not suitable. Per your words - The part above that mentions earlier or later that I have not drawn attention to is the very point that the two theories take a separate stance o - this is also my though. They take a separate stance on it. But the question asks for "COMMON" concern?
So two points here - 1st - they are not common
2nd - the passage does not mention them as "concerns". They are just shown as what you mentioned "different stance" or i would say belief. So my point is that deifferent belief or stance can not be equated to concern.
That is why, more than the answer, i am not very much satisfied with the question. Hence, even wondering if it is an official question also or not.
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Hello again, shanks2020. I think I see the problem now. Concern in this context means something akin to topic, so the question is asking us to find what the two theories are both discussing or regarding. That answer comes from the very line I quoted earlier, the opening line of the passage: scientists discuss the point... Even though their opinions diverge within that topic, they are still discussing the same general idea.

I hope that helps.

- Andrew
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 06 May 2021, 05:47
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I think this is a high-quality question and the explanation isn't clear enough, please elaborate. I was confused between Option B, D and E
I eliminated D because it is never said that morality is the basis of the human social pattern.
I eliminated E because even though social agreements are mentioned, social interactions are not.
Is that the right explanation?
Is that the right explanation?
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 29 May 2022, 08:22
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I think this is a poor-quality question and I don't agree with the explanation.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 31 May 2023, 12:09
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Bunuel GMATNinja

The passage states that one of two theories generally prevails. Nowhere in the paragraph is one theory given more importance than the other.

For that reason, why is C wrong for question 3? A sounds great but does nothing to reconcile one theory prevailing over the other.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 11 Dec 2023, 12:50
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In question 4, option A is rejected as This option is tempting, but the first paragraph does not discuss a desire of societies to recondition themselves, and in fact implies that true reconditioning is impossible.

From where can we infer that paragraph 1 implies that true reconditioning is impossible??

Bunuel
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 13 May 2024, 15:48
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A. Nothing mentioned to infer that societies, in general, do something in order to resist. "Societies" and "resist" are key words to me for eliminating this answer choice.

B. The first part is just a flipped statemenf of "the raw violence and competition found in “nature"". But wait, we need to support the second part, and we can done that with "as a thin crust on a violently churning interior". "Thin crust ON" is key here to supporting the second part.

C. "Must be transform", wait a second, nobady said that something needs to be transformed. "To live peacefully", any part of the passage supports this. "Must be transform" and "To live peacefully" are the key words.

D. This is very close, but not. If it hadn´t stated "Human beings", other would have the case. Because the passage refers to "Human morality" not "Human being". "Human being" the key word here.

E. This is clearly paragraph two, the other theory.­
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 01 Jul 2024, 00:50
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I think this is a high-quality question and the explanation isn't clear enough, please elaborate.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 07 Jul 2024, 15:29
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Piscine15
In question 4, option A is rejected as This option is tempting, but the first paragraph does not discuss a desire of societies to recondition themselves, and in fact implies that true reconditioning is impossible.

From where can we infer that paragraph 1 implies that true reconditioning is impossible??

Bunuel
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­

Hi. For Question #4,
A is focusing on the societies and not nature. 
  • (a) This choice focuses on societies and introduces the idea of reconditioning, which the passage does not support.
  • (b) This is the correct answer as it directly reflects the passage's depiction of veneer theory, where morality is seen as a thin crust trying to contain the violent and competitive nature.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 27 Aug 2024, 06:10
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IMO I feel Choice E is a better choice compared to Choice B.

Regarding Question 2: "According to the passage, the common concern of the two theories presented in the passage is"

Original Answer (OA):
Choice B - Whether a sense of fairness should be considered an earlier or more recent development in the evolution of human beings.

While Option B discusses the timing of when a sense of fairness arose, the passage's main concern is not explicitly about timing. The reference to humans sharing an "innate sense of fairness" with other species highlights a shared evolutionary trait but does not focus on pinpointing the exact timing of its development.

Though the passage states: "...humans possess an innate sense of fairness common to other species of a shared evolutionary past,"
this statement supports the idea that fairness is innate and present across species. However, it doesn't directly address the timing aspect of when this characteristic evolved. Instead, it provides evidence that fairness is an inherent feature shared across species.

For the above reasons, I strongly feel that Choice E is worded better than Choice B.

Choice E: Whether morality is innate, or the result of a series of social interactions and agreements.

The passage discusses two theories:

1. Veneer Theory: This theory posits that the "sense of fairness" or morality is a later development, emerging due to societal interactions and agreements. It suggests that morality is a thin layer covering inherent human tendencies for violence and competition

2. Innate Theory: This theory suggests that a "sense of fairness" is innate, supported by evidence from primate behavior. The author uses examples from other primates to establish that this sense of fairness is not unique to humans but is shared across species, indicating it is a fundamental, innateThe comparison with primate species serves to establish that this feature is widespread, not to argue precisely when it developed. The evidence supports the idea that fairness is an intrinsic aspect of species, rather than arising solely from social constructs.

Hence, IMO Choice E makes more sense to me than Choice B,
as it directly addresses the core issue presented in the passage: whether morality is an inherent part of human nature or a product of social evolution.

Bunuel
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 24 Nov 2024, 08:30
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Answer to question2 should be E not B

E. Whether morality is innate, or the result of a series of social interactions and agreements.

Explanation:
The passage discusses two competing theories about the origins of morality, specifically a sense of fairness, in human beings:

Veneer theory suggests morality is a late, social construct (arising from agreements in human societies) that covers innate violence and competition.
The other theory posits that morality is innate, shared with other primates as part of a shared evolutionary past.
Thus, the central question both theories address is whether morality (or fairness) is an inherent part of human nature or a product of social constructs. This aligns with answer E.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 24 Nov 2024, 17:39
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Hi. I can see your point, though AndrewN above has an explanation why B is the answer: https://gmatclub.com/forum/v03-35-v03-3 ... l#p2685911

However, I felt the E needed to be more incorrect and less based on the neance as it is a pain to give a black and white explanation (to me at least). so I have updated Option E in Question 2 it to be slightly more outside of the scope.
Shlokzanwar
Answer to question2 should be E not B

E. Whether morality is innate, or the result of a series of social interactions and agreements.

Explanation:
The passage discusses two competing theories about the origins of morality, specifically a sense of fairness, in human beings:

Veneer theory suggests morality is a late, social construct (arising from agreements in human societies) that covers innate violence and competition.
The other theory posits that morality is innate, shared with other primates as part of a shared evolutionary past.
Thus, the central question both theories address is whether morality (or fairness) is an inherent part of human nature or a product of social constructs. This aligns with answer E.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 01 Mar 2025, 00:13
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I like the solution - it’s helpful.
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 09 Jan 2026, 16:00
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I did not quite understand the solution. "rules agreed upon society" vs "holds a sense of fairness to be as much a part of human "nature"

While I believe this option is an implication of what the passage says, option B is probably the more correct one as "late ... defined by set of rules" -> second theory must be earlier development ... a part of human "nature"
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 10 Jan 2026, 02:26
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Hi,

We need to choose the best conclusion that advocates of the second theory would draw from the evidence.
Option B merely summarizes the observations (orangutans and monkeys reacting to unfairness). It repeats evidence, but it does not explain why that evidence matters for the theory.

The second theory argues that a sense of fairness is:
  • innate
  • part of nature, not a late, socially agreed-upon rule
  • shared with other primates due to common evolutionary origins [ This directly leads us to Option A)]

Hope this helps!
donwalter1337
I did not quite understand the solution. "rules agreed upon society" vs "holds a sense of fairness to be as much a part of human "nature"

While I believe this option is an implication of what the passage says, option B is probably the more correct one as "late ... defined by set of rules" -> second theory must be earlier development ... a part of human "nature"
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Vivek1707
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 30 Mar 2026, 00:24
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I did not quite understand the question. This is a poor quality question. Based on the passage it cannot be inferred that nature "CANNOT be changed" So B cannot be correct.

"In this view morality is defined as a set of rules agreed upon by a society, permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.” In certain circles this idea is known as “veneer theory,” because it posits human morality as a thin crust on a violently churning interior."

The lines in this para just define what morality is and mentions that this idea of morality is is called veneer theory because it posits....

it will be a stretch to infer anything about "NATURE" simply based on these lines. It could be possible that human nature can be changed by brute force but morality just wants you to rise above and not focus on the voilent and competitive nature
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 30 Mar 2026, 00:39
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This is a great question that’s helpful for learning.
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AbhishekP220108
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V03-35, V03-36, V03-37, V03-38, V03-39 01 Apr 2026, 19:11
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Hi Vivek1707 let me try to help

4. The passage suggests which of the following about the condition of “nature,” according to veneer theory?

As per the question we have to Infer about condition of "Nature" as per veneer theory. Inference can be true or must be true, since the word is suggest so we have to find which option is supported by information given in passage

(a) Societies agree to rules of morality in order to recondition themselves to resist the violence and competition of nature.- Not stated
(b) Nature is inherently violent and competitive and may be contained, but can not be changed.- Keep for now
(c) The violence and competition found in nature must be transformed by morality in order for humans to live peacefully.-Must be transformed is suggestion and not suggested by author
(d) Human beings constitute a thin crust living on the outside of a chaotic core of nature.- chaotic doesnt always mean violent
(e) Morality is as much a part of nature as violence and competition.- This is in 2nd para

So by elimination also, we are arriving at B, and if we look into the passage, this line permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.” supports the B

Hope this helps
Vivek1707
I did not quite understand the question. This is a poor quality question. Based on the passage it cannot be inferred that nature "CANNOT be changed" So B cannot be correct.

"In this view morality is defined as a set of rules agreed upon by a society, permitting human beings to “rise above” the raw violence and competition found in “nature.” In certain circles this idea is known as “veneer theory,” because it posits human morality as a thin crust on a violently churning interior."

The lines in this para just define what morality is and mentions that this idea of morality is is called veneer theory because it posits....

it will be a stretch to infer anything about "NATURE" simply based on these lines. It could be possible that human nature can be changed by brute force but morality just wants you to rise above and not focus on the voilent and competitive nature
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