Question

The main purpose of the passage is to

• A. propose an experiment
• B. analyze a function
• C. refute an argument
• D. explain a contradiction
• E. simulate a process

Hint:

When questions refer to a philosopher's "criticism" or "argument," the passage's main purpose is often to either explain that critique (refute an argument) or to critique the critique itself. Look at the overall tone to decide which it is.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a primary purpose question. Based on the vocabulary in the subsequent questions (Searle's reasoning, criticism, metaphor, syntactic vs. semantic), the passage is clearly engaged in a philosophical debate. The purpose is to determine the overall rhetorical goal of the text.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The questions refer to "Searle's reasoning," "Searle's criticism of the brain-as-computer metaphor," and the idea that "meaning and content cannot be reduced to algorithms." This indicates the passage is presenting Searle's philosophical position. Searle is famous for his "Chinese Room" argument, which aims to refute the claims of "strong AI"—the argument that a properly programmed computer can genuinely think and understand.
Therefore, the passage's main purpose is to explain and likely endorse Searle's refutation of the strong AI argument. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Proposing an experiment is a scientific goal, not a philosophical one.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Analyzing a function might be part of the passage, but it's too specific to be the main purpose.} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Refuting an argument is the central activity of the passage. It lays out Searle's case against the argument that computers can think.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) It's not explaining a contradiction, but rather creating a case against a specific claim.} \\ \bullet & \text{(E) The passage discusses simulation but does not perform one.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage is dedicated to presenting a detailed critique of a specific philosophical and scientific position (strong AI). Thus, its primary purpose is to refute an argument.