7

Set 5: Inferences (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

Counterfactual history—asking 'what if' questions about alternatives to actual events—is controversial. Critics argue such speculation cannot be tested and distracts from understanding what actually happened. Defenders counter that considering alternatives clarifies why specific outcomes occurred; understanding causation requires imagining what was possible but did not happen.

What argument do defenders make for counterfactual history?

A. Counterfactuals are purely entertainment with no scholarly value.
B. Understanding causation benefits from considering what paths were not taken.✓ Correct
C. Counterfactuals can be tested experimentally.
D. History only studies what actually happened.

Detailed Explanation

'Clarifies why specific outcomes occurred' by 'imagining what was possible but did not happen' = causation requires considering alternatives.

Key Evidence:

• "considering alternatives clarifies why specific outcomes occurred"

• "understanding causation requires imagining what was possible but did not happen"

Why others are wrong: A (Defenders claim scholarly value.), C (Critics note they 'cannot be tested.'), D (Defenders argue for studying alternatives.).

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