The following text is from a metaethics article.
Moral realism holds that ethical claims can be objectively true or false. Cognitivists about moral language maintain that ethical statements express beliefs with truth values. Non-cognitivists argue moral statements express attitudes rather than beliefs, making truth-aptness inapplicable. Quasi-realists attempt to vindicate moral discourse's objectivity-seeming features while endorsing expressivist semantics. The proliferation of intermediate positions reflects the difficulty of satisfying competing desiderata.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It presents multiple positions and notes the challenge of satisfying all theoretical goals.
It provides detailed arguments proving moral realism is true.
It traces the biographical development of major ethicists' views.
It compares moral codes across different human cultures.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text presents multiple positions (realism, cognitivism, non-cognitivism, quasi-realism) and notes the difficulty of satisfying competing desiderata.
- Evidence: The text lists positions: "Moral realism holds..." "Cognitivists... maintain..." "Non-cognitivists argue..." "Quasi-realists attempt..." It concludes: "proliferation... reflects the difficulty of satisfying competing desiderata."
- Reasoning: The structure is a list of philosophical options followed by a comment on why there are so many (it's hard to satisfy everyone).
- Conclusion: This matches "presents multiple positions and notes the challenge."
💡 Strategy: Track the list: Realism, Cognitivism, Non-cog, Quasi. Why? Because it's hard.
Choice B is incorrect because proof isn't provided. Choice C is incorrect because biographies aren't given. Choice D is incorrect because cultural codes aren't compared.