Text 1: Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Moore explains split-brain research. "Severing the corpus callosum creates two semi-independent consciousnesses," Moore reports. "Each hemisphere processes separately, sometimes reaching different decisions. Personal identity fragments."
Text 2: Philosopher Dr. Kevin Black questions the interpretation. "Calling hemispheres separate 'consciousnesses' may be premature," Black argues. "The phenomena might show distributed processing rather than multiple selves. What counts as consciousness affects how we describe these cases."
What conceptual issue does Black raise about Moore's interpretation?
That brain surgery doesn't exist
That the concept of consciousness applied determines the interpretation
That hemispheres don't process information
That personal identity is never affected by brain changes
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Black argues "what counts as consciousness affects how we describe" cases. Moore's interpretation depends on how we define consciousness—a conceptual choice precedes the empirical description.
- Evidence: Black: definition affects interpretation.
- Reasoning: Same data allows different descriptions depending on concepts.
- Conclusion: Consciousness concept choice shapes conclusions.
Choice A is incorrect because Black discusses surgical cases. Choice C is incorrect because Black accepts separate processing. Choice D is incorrect because Black discusses identity questions.