The ship of Theseus paradox asks: if a ship's planks are gradually replaced one by one until no original material remains, is it still the same ship? This thought experiment explores our intuitions about identity and continuity. Some argue that identity requires continuous material; others maintain that pattern or function defines identity; still others suggest our concept of identity itself may be incoherent under philosophical scrutiny.
The passage suggests that
philosophical thought experiments can reveal ambiguities in everyday concepts
philosophers have reached consensus on the nature of identity
physical continuity is the only possible basis for identity
the ship of Theseus paradox has a simple, obvious answer
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The paradox reveals that our concept of identity has ambiguities.
- Context clues: The experiment "explores our intuitions"; multiple answers exist; the concept "may be incoherent."
- Meaning: The lack of clear answer shows our everyday concept needs examination.
- Verify: Three different views are presented without resolution.
💡 Strategy: When a simple question has no agreed-upon answer, infer that underlying concepts are ambiguous.
Choice B is incorrect because "some argue" one thing, "others maintain" another—no consensus. Choice C is incorrect because "others maintain that pattern or function defines identity." Choice D is incorrect because the multiple competing views show it's not simple.