Question

From the passage, it can be inferred that the author would agree with Searle on which of the following points?

• A. Computers operate by following algorithms
• B. The human brain can never fully understand its own functions
• C. The comparison of the brain to a machine is overly simplistic
• D. The most accurate models of physical processes are computer simulations
• E. Human thought and computer-simulated thought involve similar processes of representation

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Computers operate by following algorithms

An inference requires going beyond the material explicitly stated in the passage to the author's ideas that underlie that material. The author and Searle take opposite points of view on the brain as information processor. Their area of agreement is narrow. However, they do both agree that computers work by following algorithms.

A Correct. The first paragraph explains that Searle dismisses computers because they simply follow algorithms; while the author disagrees with Searle on virtually every other point, no disagreement is voiced here.

B The first paragraph shows this to be Searle's position, but not the author's.

C The first paragraph shows this to be Searle's position, but not the author's.

D The second paragraph explains Searle's rejection of this position.

E The final paragraph establishes this as the author's position, but not Searle's.

The correct answer is A.