Text 1: Historian Dr. Anna Wells studies the "Great Man" theory. "Traditional historiography emphasized exceptional individuals changing history," Wells explains. "Kings, generals, and inventors appear to drive major transformations."
Text 2: Historian Dr. Paul Kim analyzes counterfactual reasoning. "Without Napoleon, someone else would have emerged in the revolutionary context," Kim argues. "Structural conditions create opportunities individuals fill. The Great Man theory mistakes filling for creating."
How does Kim's counterfactual reasoning challenge the Great Man theory?
By denying that Napoleon existed
By suggesting structural conditions would produce similar outcomes with different individuals
By arguing counterfactuals are impossible to reason about
By claiming individuals never take action
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Kim argues "someone else would have emerged"—conditions, not individuals, determine outcomes. Different person, similar result. Structures create the role; individuals merely fill it.
- Evidence: Kim: "Structural conditions create opportunities individuals fill."
- Reasoning: Substitutability of individuals suggests structures matter more.
- Conclusion: Great Man theory mistakes necessary for sufficient cause.
Choice A is incorrect because Kim discusses Napoleon counterfactually. Choice C is incorrect because Kim uses counterfactual reasoning. Choice D is incorrect because individuals fill—they just don't create—roles.