The following text discusses social ontology.
Institutional facts depend on collective acceptance: money is money because we treat it as such. Searle distinguished between brute facts (existing independently of human attitudes) and institutional facts (constituted by human intentionality). This constructivist view raises puzzles: if institutions exist only through collective acceptance, how do oppressive institutions that many reject persist? The relationship between individual attitudes and social reality proves more complex than simple acceptance models suggest.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It explains a social ontology theory and identifies a puzzling implication.
It provides instructions for creating new social institutions.
It argues that all social institutions are oppressive.
It traces the history of money across civilizations.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text explains Searle's theory (institutional facts, collective acceptance) and identifies the puzzle about oppressive institutions.
- Evidence: The text explains the theory: "Institutional facts depend on collective acceptance... Searle distinguished between brute facts... and institutional facts." It identifies the puzzle: "how do oppressive institutions that many reject persist?"
- Reasoning: The passage introduces a theory and then shows how it struggles to explain something real (oppression).
- Conclusion: The purpose is to explain theory and puzzle.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: We accept money, so it's money. But we don't accept slavery... why does it exist?
Choice B is incorrect because instructions aren't provided. Choice C is incorrect because oppression is a puzzle, not a claim. Choice D is incorrect because monetary history isn't traced.