Question

The notion of personhood is _____________________ on something more than a particular type of genetic material within human beings: it arises only with the larger-scale structural _____________________ of that material, which permits capacities like _____________________ thought and moral agency.

• A. interdependent; division; differentiation
• B. dependent; disorganisation; deconstruction
• C. premised; organisation; consciousness
• D. built; distribution; calibration

Hint:

For abstract or academic sentences, focus on the logical relationships. The sentence contrasts "a particular type of material" with a "larger-scale structural ___," implying order and complexity, which strongly points to "organisation."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a complex sentence completion question that requires understanding philosophical and biological concepts. We need to choose three words that create a coherent argument about the basis of personhood.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Blank 1: The sentence states that personhood is based ("___ on") something more than just genes. "Premised on" (based on the belief or idea that) is a very fitting and formal choice. "Dependent on," "interdependent on," and "built on" are also plausible.
Blank 2: This blank describes the "larger-scale structural ___" of genetic material that allows for personhood. The word should suggest a complex and ordered structure. "Organisation" is the perfect word, contrasting with just the "particular type" of material. "Disorganisation" is the opposite of what's needed. "Division" and "distribution" are too simplistic.
Blank 3: This blank needs a capacity similar to "moral agency" that arises from the complex organization. "Consciousness" is a high-level capacity that, along with thought and moral agency, is often seen as a cornerstone of personhood. "Differentiation," "deconstruction," and "calibration" do not fit as capacities of a person in this context.
Evaluating the options as sets:

(1) "division" and "differentiation" are not quite right for blanks 2 and 3.
(2) "disorganisation" and "deconstruction" are logically incorrect.
(3) premised; organisation; consciousness: All three words fit perfectly. Personhood is "premised on" the "organisation" of genetic material, which permits "consciousness."
(4) "distribution" and "calibration" are weak fits for blanks 2 and 3.
Option (3) creates the most philosophically and logically sound sentence.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct words are premised; organisation; consciousness.