The following text discusses philosophy of time.
Presentism holds that only present entities exist; eternalism maintains that past, present, and future are equally real. The growing block view represents a middle position: past and present exist, but the future does not. Each view faces characteristic challenges: presentism must explain how we can refer to past objects, while eternalism must accommodate the apparent special status of the present moment.
What is the main purpose of the text?
To survey positions about time's nature and note their respective challenges
To provide advice for managing time more effectively
To explain the physics of temporal measurement
To compare how different cultures experience time
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text surveys presentism, eternalism, and growing block, noting challenges each faces.
- Evidence: The text surveys presentism: "Presentism holds that only present entities exist." It surveys eternalism: "eternalism maintains that past, present, and future are equally real." It surveys growing block: "middle position." It notes challenges: "Each view faces characteristic challenges."
- Reasoning: The passage provides an overview of competing theories of time and their respective problems.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to survey positions and note challenges.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Only now (Presentism) vs. All time is real (Eternalism) vs. Middle ground (Growing block). All have issues.
Choice B is incorrect because time management isn't discussed. Choice C is incorrect because physics isn't the focus. Choice D is incorrect because cultures aren't compared.