The following text is from a philosophy of language article.
Contextualism about knowledge attributions holds that "knows" is context-sensitive: its application conditions vary with conversational context. In ordinary contexts, we attribute knowledge easily; when skeptical scenarios become salient, attributions become harder to satisfy. This view attempts to vindicate both common sense knowledge claims and the seeming force of skeptical arguments without commitment to either extreme.
Which choice best describes the function of the last sentence?
It provides specific examples of knowledge attributions.
It explains how contextualisms tries to reconcile competing intuitions.
It rejects both common sense and skeptical positions.
It introduces a new topic about language acquisition.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The last sentence explains contextualism's reconciling function—vindicating both ordinary claims and skeptical force.
- Evidence: The sentence states: "This view attempts to vindicate both common sense knowledge claims and the seeming force of skeptical arguments without commitment to either extreme."
- Reasoning: It explains why contextualism is appealing: it lets us keep both intuitions.
- Conclusion: The function is to explain reconciliation.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Look for "attempts to vindicate both... without commitment to either extreme."
Choice A is incorrect because examples aren't given. Choice C is incorrect because reconciliation, not rejection, is the goal. Choice D is incorrect because the topic continues.