The following text is from a neurophilosophy article.
Free will skepticism challenges conventional notions of moral responsibility. Neuroscientific studies suggesting decisions are initiated unconsciously before conscious awareness have been cited as evidence against libertarian free will. Compatibilists respond that meaningful agency doesn't require contra-causal freedom but only that actions flow from one's own deliberative processes. The stakes of this debate extend beyond philosophy to legal responsibility and personal self-understanding.
Which choice best describes the function of the last sentence?
It provides technical details about brain scanning methods.
It explains why the philosophical debate has practical significance.
It contradicts the previous claims about free will skepticism.
It summarizes the compatibilist position in different terms.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The last sentence notes the debate extends to legal responsibility and self-understanding—practical stakes beyond pure philosophy.
- Evidence: The sentence states: "The stakes of this debate extend beyond philosophy to legal responsibility and personal self-understanding."
- Reasoning: It explains why the abstract debate matters in the real world.
- Conclusion: The function is to explain practical significance.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Look for "stakes... extend beyond philosophy."
Choice A is incorrect because technical details aren't provided. Choice C is incorrect because it extends rather than contradicts. Choice D is incorrect because it adds rather than summarizes.