The following text discusses philosophy of causation.
Counterfactual theories analyze causation through conditionals: C causes E if E wouldn't have occurred without C. Lewis developed sophisticated versions handling preemption, overdetermination, and late preemption. Yet counterexamples continue to arise—cases where intuitive causal judgments diverge from counterfactual dependencies. Alternative regularity, probabilistic, and process-based accounts each capture different aspects of our causal intuitions without fully systematizing them.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It presents a theoretical approach, notes refinements and persistent problems, and mentions alternatives.
It provides a biography of David Lewis.
It argues definitively that counterfactual theories are correct.
It traces the historical development of physics.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text presents counterfactual theory, Lewis's refinements, persistent counterexamples, and alternative approaches.
- Evidence: The text presents the theory: "Counterfactual theories analyze causation through conditionals." It notes refinements: "Lewis developed sophisticated versions." It notes problems: "counterexamples continue to arise." It mentions alternatives: "regularity, probabilistic, and process-based accounts."
- Reasoning: The passage traces the development and challenges of one approach and nods to competitors.
- Conclusion: This matches "presents a theoretical approach, notes refinements and persistent problems, and mentions alternatives."
đŸ’¡ Strategy: Track the flow: If-then causation (Theory). Lewis fixed it... sort of (Refinements). Still problems (Counterexamples). Other options (Alternatives).
Choice B is incorrect because biography isn't provided. Choice C is incorrect because problems and alternatives are noted. Choice D is incorrect because physics history isn't traced.