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09 Feb 2025, 22:16
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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.
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.
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.
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.
09 Feb 2025, 22:16
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Official Solution:
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.
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.
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 Answer. 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.
Answer: B
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.
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.
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 Answer. 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.
Answer: B
10 May 2025, 13:25
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Why is (C) incorrect? The passage does reject the second theory and ends with a conclusion "Hence, the Ship of Theseus remains the same ship, as long as its continuity of purpose and function is preserved." What's the difference between options (B) and (C)?
