V03-37

Question

When scientists discuss the point in the evolutionary process at which a sense of fairness arose in human beings, one of two theories generally 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.

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

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.
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.
In contrast to veneer theory, then, the second theory’s use of observation and experiment lends it a credibility that can not be denied.
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.
Despite the suggestion that primates such as monkeys and orangutans possess an innate sense of fairness, however, most scientists continue to accept veneer theory.

Bunuel · Answer

To answer this question, it will be necessary to understand the general point the second paragraph is attempting to prove. The passage as a whole is concerned with the point in the evolutionary process at which a sense of fairness arose; the second paragraph will deal with this question in a specific way, using the examples of observations of primates as supporting detail. The best answer choice will summarize only the second paragraph, and will do so in a way that re-connects the paragraph to the concern of the passage as a whole.

(A) Correct. This answer choice summarizes the main points of the second paragraph in the phrases advocates of this theory and behavior of primates, and it restates the general concern of the passage, as stated in the first sentence.

(B) Though the words in conclusion appear in this option, the sentence summarizes only the previous sentences about scientists’ observations of primates and does not sufficiently conclude the discussion of the second theory.

(C) This option stresses too clear a preference for the second theory and is not appropriate within the overall purpose of the passage.

(D) The idea that morality comes more easily to orangutans and monkeys is not discussed in the second paragraph.

(E) Because of the assertion that most scientists prefer veneer theory, this sentence does not adequately conclude the second paragraph.

gt2379 · Answer

Why not E for this question? it says one of two theories generally prevails

hr1212 · Answer

The passage says one of the two theories generally prevails, but option E claims that most scientists accept the veneer theory. Do we really know that? What if scientists actually prefer the second theory more? We don’t have any data to support that, so we can’t make that conclusion. That’s why this choice is incorrect.

gt2379

Why not E for this question? it says one of two theories generally prevails

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