The following text discusses social epistemology.
Testimony as a source of knowledge poses puzzles for traditional epistemology. Much of what we know derives from others' reports rather than direct experience. Reductionists attempt to ground testimonial justification in other sources—perception, memory, inference. Anti-reductionists argue testimony constitutes an irreducible, basic source of knowledge, akin to perception itself.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It identifies a puzzle about knowledge and presents two competing approaches.
It provides guidelines for evaluating the reliability of sources.
It argues that we should never believe what others tell us.
It traces the history of epistemology from ancient times.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text identifies testimony's puzzle for epistemology and presents reductionist and anti-reductionist approaches.
- Evidence: The text identifies the puzzle: "Testimony as a source of knowledge poses puzzles... Much of what we know derives from others' reports." It presents reductionism: "Reductionists attempt to ground testimonial justification in other sources." It presents anti-reductionism: "Anti-reductionists argue testimony constitutes an irreducible... source."
- Reasoning: The passage frames a philosophical problem and presents two competing solutions.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to identify puzzle and approaches.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Summarize: How do we know what others tell us? (Puzzle). Reduce it vs. Basic source (Approaches).
Choice B is incorrect because guidelines aren't provided. Choice C is incorrect because testimony's legitimacy is assumed. Choice D is incorrect because history isn't traced.