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Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the anthropic principle. The student wants to explain the philosophical implications of the universe's apparent fine-tuning for life. Notes: - Physical constants appear precisely calibrated for life to exist. - Slight changes to these constants would preclude complex structures. - Some argue this suggests purposeful design. - Others propose multiverses where all possibilities exist.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. The universe's physical constants allow for the existence of complex life.
B. Scientists continue to investigate why the universe has its observed properties.
C. The multiverse theory proposes that countless universes exist with different properties.
D. The anthropic principle raises profound questions: with physical constants precisely calibrated for life and minor changes precluding complexity, some interpret this as evidence of design while others invoke multiverses where all variations exist—a debate about purpose and probability.✓ Correct

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is PHILOSOPHICAL implications. Fine-tuning observation leading to design vs. multiverse interpretations explores the philosophical debate. The correct synthesis will use relevant details from the notes in a logical, purposeful way. Focus on what the question asks you to accomplish, then choose the answer that best achieves that goal using the provided information. Effective synthesis requires selecting and combining the most relevant information to achieve a specific purpose. Not all provided notes may be equally useful. Focus on what best accomplishes the stated goal while maintaining logical coherence.

Key Evidence:

• "philosophical implications"

• "Physical constants appear precisely calibrated"

• "Slight changes to these constants would preclude complex structures"

• "suggests purposeful design"

• "Others propose multiverses"

Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; discusses investigation, not implications.), A (States calibration fact but not philosophical implications.), C (Explains one response but not the philosophical debate.).

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