Question

The author of the passage

• A. supports the Cartesian hypothesis
• B. supports the Spinozan hypothesis
• C. has a neutral stance towards the two hypotheses
• D. rejects both the hypotheses
• E. belongs to the scientific community

Hint:

To find an author's stance in an argumentative or comparative passage, look for transition words (e.g., "however," "in fact") and phrases where the author introduces their own voice or outside evidence ("research shows," "it is a common observation"). This usually happens after they have laid out the different viewpoints.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to determine the author's point of view or stance based on the tone and evidence presented in the passage.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The author first presents the Cartesian hypothesis and then the Spinozan hypothesis. The first three paragraphs are largely descriptive. However, the final paragraph shifts from description to evaluation and conclusion.
The author writes: "It is, however, a common observation that doubt, suspension of judgment and disbelief are mentally taxing tasks while we naturally - effortlessly - accept and believe most of what we see, hear and read. Research has proved that we systematically err on the side of believing too much, as opposed to rejecting too much."
These phrases ("common observation," "Research has proved") are used to introduce evidence. This evidence directly supports the core ideas of the Spinozan hypothesis (belief is effortless and default; disbelief is taxing and effortful) and contradicts the Cartesian view that the effort for belief and disbelief is the same.
The author concludes by linking this "inherent credulity" to the fields of advertising and propaganda, further strengthening the argument for the Spinozan model as having real-world explanatory power.
Let's evaluate the options:
(A) supports the Cartesian hypothesis: The evidence provided in the last paragraph contradicts this.
(B) supports the Spinozan hypothesis: This is correct. The author uses observational and research-based evidence to favor this view.
(C) has a neutral stance: The final paragraph clearly takes a side by presenting evidence that supports one hypothesis over the other.
(D) rejects both the hypotheses: The author clearly supports one of them.
(E) belongs to the scientific community: While the passage is adapted from a paper by Professor Daniel Gilbert, which suggests the original author is a scientist, the question asks about the author's stance in the passage, not their identity. The most accurate description of the author's argument within the text is support for Spinoza.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The author's use of evidence and concluding remarks in the final paragraph indicates a clear preference for the Spinozan hypothesis.