"Physicalists" expect that ultimately all mental functions will be explainable in neurobiological terms. Achieving th...
Ryan-SciroccoSeptember 30, 2019
Why not A?
Hi I'm trying to understand why A is not also a legitimate answer, given that there is a distinction between ultimately and in the near future. I understand why E is correct but I'm looking for some sort of justification for this.
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I think I can explain why "in the near future" vs. "ultimately" does not necessarily create a contradiction.
The physicalists believe that we will be able to explain all mental functions in neurobiological terms if three things are acquired. 1. Knowledge of neurons and their basic functions. 2. Knowledge of neuron interaction. 3. Delineation of psychological faculties. All three of these are necessary in order to achieve the physicalists' goal.
The author of the passage mistakenly believes that all necessary conditions have been fulfilled, when in reality only #1 and #3 were fulfilled. As you already know, this is why E is correct.
A does not indicate an error because, if all three conditions had been fulfilled, I think that the physicalists would agree that "in the near future" is an accurate estimate. "In the near future" and "ultimately" are not mutually exclusive. The much more blatant problem is the absence of one of the necessary conditions. Do not let a small difference in word choice distract you from the real problem with the argument.
