Text 1: Neuroscientist Dr. Maya Chen studies consciousness. "Neural correlates of consciousness can be identified and measured," Chen writes. "Brain states correspond to conscious states. Understanding these correlations advances toward explaining consciousness scientifically."
Text 2: Philosopher Dr. David Chalmers identifies a gap. "Correlations don't explain why physical processes produce subjective experience," Chalmers argues. "The 'hard problem' is why there is something it is like to be conscious. Neural data describe but don't resolve this mystery."
What distinction does Chalmers draw that challenges Chen's research program?
Between brain states that exist and those that don't
Between describing correlations and explaining subjective experience
Between measurable and unmeasurable brain activity
Between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Chen's correlational approach "describes" relationships. Chalmers argues description differs from explanation of why experience exists. Correlations don't answer the deeper "why" question.
- Evidence: Chalmers: correlations "describe but don't resolve this mystery."
- Reasoning: Finding correlates differs from explaining their subjective dimension.
- Conclusion: Description vs. explanation is the key distinction.
Choice A is incorrect because existence isn't disputed. Choice C is incorrect because measurement feasibility isn't the issue. Choice D is incorrect because cultural traditions aren't discussed.