1.CR
The music industry is facing a dilemma due to online music piracy. Some argue that piracy is detrimental, while others claim it can be beneficial as it helps record companies gather data on consumer preferences. These insights can then be used in negotiations with artists and in making strategic decisions.
Which of the following conclusions can be most reasonably drawn from the information above?
A. Online piracy will inevitably lead to increased profits for record companies.
B. Record companies can use the data from online piracy to improve their market strategies.
C. The decline in sales is directly proportional to the rise in online music piracy.
D. Artists are negatively impacted by online piracy more than record companies.
E. Online piracy has no significant impact on the music industry.
A company requires three accountants to complete a task in one day. It is observed that if an assistant is hired to supervise the work, the task can be completed in half a day. Despite the assistant's low wage, the company decides not to hire an assistant, contradicting the expectation of cost savings.
Which of the following, if true, best explains the company's decision not to hire an assistant?
A. The assistant would require additional benefits such as injury compensation and meal allowances.
B. The accountants would need to spend time supervising the assistant, thus reducing their own productivity.
C. The company has other staff members who can assist the accountants if necessary.
D. The quality of work tends to decrease when tasks are completed in a shorter time.
E. The hiring process for an assistant is time-consuming and would delay the start of the task
答案:
2.DI
The ancient Egyptian civilization, a resplendent jewel in the crown of human history, not only bequeathed to posterity the awe-inspiring pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx but also left an indelible mark on the annals of human knowledge with its unparalleled advancements in the realms of astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and a panoply of other disciplines. Among the myriad captivating chapters in the labyrinthine history of this ancient civilization, the construction of the pyramids indubitably stands out as the most spectacular and mind-boggling feat of engineering and human endeavor.
The pyramids, conceived as the eternal abodes for the pharaohs in their afterlife, serve as the quintessential embodiment of the divine power and authority wielded by these god-kings. Archaeologists, through their indefatigable efforts, have brought to light the existence of approximately 80 pyramids scattered across the length and breadth of Egypt, with the most renowned being the Great Pyramids of Giza - the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid of Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. These three colossal structures, erected during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (circa 2580-2560 BCE), bear testimony to the unrivaled engineering prowess and the indomitable spirit of the ancient Egyptians. The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three, originally towered over the surrounding landscape at an awe-inspiring height of 146.5 meters (481 feet), its massive bulk comprised of an estimated 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons. The total volume of limestone used in its construction is a staggering 2.5 million cubic meters, a figure that defies comprehension.
The construction of the pyramids, in terms of both scale and complexity, was an undertaking that would have been deemed impossible in any other era. The logistics involved in the construction process have long been a subject of intense research and speculation among archaeologists and historians. The current consensus among scholars is that the workforce employed in the construction of the Pyramid of Khufu alone could have numbered as high as 100,000 individuals, divided into three rotating shifts, with each shift comprising up to 20,000 workers. This gargantuan labor force, drawn from the far-flung corners of the Egyptian realm, included not only highly skilled artisans such as stone masons, architects, and engineers but also a vast multitude of ordinary citizens who toiled under the unforgiving Egyptian sun to bring the pharaoh's vision to fruition.
The primary building material used in the construction of the pyramids was limestone, which was quarried from sites located along the banks of the Nile. The process of extracting the limestone blocks from these quarries was an arduous and time-consuming one, requiring the use of copper chisels, bronze saws, wooden rollers, and sleds. Once the blocks, each measuring approximately 1 cubic meter, were cut and shaped, they were transported to the pyramid site using a complex network of transportation that included wooden rollers, sleds, ramps, and boats.
In addition to limestone, the ancient Egyptians also employed granite in the construction of certain sections of the pyramids, particularly in the King's Chamber. The granite blocks used in the pyramids were sourced from quarries located in the vicinity of Aswan, a city situated over 500 miles to the south of Giza. The transportation of these granite blocks to the pyramid site posed a formidable challenge, one that the ancient Egyptians met with their characteristic ingenuity and resourcefulness. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians constructed a purpose-built canal, spanning a distance of 11 miles, to facilitate the transportation of the granite blocks from the quarries to the Nile, from where they were shipped downstream to Giza.
The construction of the pyramids, once the building materials had been transported to the site, was a marvel of engineering and precision. The first step in the construction process involved the creation of a perfectly flat and stable foundation, which was achieved by laying down a layer of limestone blocks and filling in the gaps with limestone mortar. Once the foundation was in place, the ancient Egyptians constructed a series of ramps around the perimeter of the pyramid, which were used to transport the limestone blocks to the higher levels of the structure. The blocks were then maneuvered into place using a variety of tools and techniques, including levers, pulleys, and copper chisels.
The alignment of the pyramids was a crucial aspect of their design, with the ancient Egyptians placing great importance on the precise orientation of the structures. The four sides of the pyramid were designed to align with the four cardinal directions - north, south, east, and west - with an astonishing degree of accuracy. Recent surveys have revealed that the Great Pyramid of Giza, for instance, is aligned to within a fraction of a degree of true north. This remarkable feat of engineering was achieved through a combination of astronomical observations, sophisticated surveying techniques, and an intimate understanding of the movement of celestial bodies.
The ancient Egyptians also paid meticulous attention to the placement of the pyramid's apex, ensuring that it was positioned directly above the center of the base. This level of precision was essential not only for the stability of the structure but also for its aesthetic appeal. The slightest deviation from this alignment would have resulted in a lopsided appearance, detracting from the pyramid's overall grandeur and symmetry.
The construction of the pyramids was a time-consuming process, with estimates suggesting that it took anywhere from 10 to 30 years to complete a single pyramid. However, recent discoveries have shed new light on the construction techniques employed by the ancient Egyptians, suggesting that they may have been able to complete the task in a shorter timeframe than previously believed. In 2013, archaeologists discovered a stone tablet inscribed with hieroglyphs that detailed the use of a sophisticated pulley and lever system, which would have significantly accelerated the process of transporting and positioning the limestone blocks.
Despite the wealth of knowledge that has been gleaned from centuries of research and investigation, the construction of the pyramids remains one of the most enduring mysteries of the ancient world. The sheer scale of the undertaking, the level of precision and accuracy achieved, and the ingenious engineering solutions employed by the ancient Egyptians continue to inspire and confound scholars and laypeople alike.
The legacy of the ancient Egyptian civilization, as embodied by the pyramids, extends far beyond the realm of engineering and architecture. The pyramids serve as a testament to the power and influence of the pharaohs, who were revered as living gods and whose authority was absolute. They also reflect the deep-seated religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, who saw the afterlife as a continuation of earthly existence and who believed that the pharaohs would continue to rule over their subjects in the next world.
The pyramids also played a significant role in the development of Egyptian art and culture, serving as a source of inspiration for countless generations of artists, architects, and craftsmen. The intricate reliefs and paintings that adorn the walls of the pyramids and the surrounding temples and tombs provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and aspirations of the ancient Egyptians.
In conclusion, the ancient Egyptian pyramids stand as a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and determination of one of the world's greatest civilizations. The construction of these awe-inspiring structures required an unprecedented level of planning, organization, and execution, as well as a deep understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering. Despite the many challenges and obstacles that the ancient Egyptians faced, they succeeded in creating monuments that have endured for millennia, inspiring countless generations with their beauty, grandeur, and mystery. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the pyramids and the civilization that built them, we are reminded of the limitless potential of the human spirit and the enduring power of human achievement.
1. The passage suggests that the alignment of the Great Pyramid of Giza is accurate to within:
A. A fraction of a degree of true north
B. One degree of true north
C. Five degrees of true north
D. Ten degrees of true north
2. According to the passage, which of the following was NOT a factor in the ancient Egyptians' ability to align the pyramids with such precision?
A. Astronomical observations
B. Sophisticated surveying techniques
C. Understanding of the movement of celestial bodies
D. Use of magnetic compasses
3. The discovery of a stone tablet in 2013 provided evidence that the ancient Egyptians:
A. Used a sophisticated pulley and lever system to accelerate construction
B. Employed a workforce of over 100,000 individuals to build the pyramids
C. Completed the construction of the pyramids in under 5 years
D. Utilized iron tools in the construction process
4. The passage suggests that the primary motivation behind the construction of the pyramids was:
A. To demonstrate the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians
B. To serve as a testament to the power and influence of the pharaohs
C. To inspire future generations
D. To provide a source of employment for the Egyptian populace
5. The ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife was:
A. A realm reserved exclusively for the pharaohs and the nobility
B. A continuation of earthly existence
C. A place of punishment for those who had sinned during their lives
D. A realm where all individuals were treated as equals
6. The passage suggests that the legacy of the pyramids extends beyond engineering and architecture to include:
A. The development of Egyptian art and culture
B. The advancement of Egyptian military might
C. The establishment of trade routes with neighboring civilizations
D. The creation of a unified system of writing
7. The intricate reliefs and paintings found in the pyramids and surrounding structures provide insight into:
A. The agricultural practices of the ancient Egyptians
B. The military conquests of the pharaohs
C. The daily lives, beliefs, and aspirations of the ancient Egyptians
D. The diplomatic relations between Egypt and other ancient civilizations
8. The passage implies that the construction of the pyramids required:
A. A deep understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering
B. The use of advanced technology, such as cranes and pulleys
C. The assistance of extraterrestrial beings
D. The enslavement of foreign populations
9. The author's tone in the passage can best be described as:
A. Critical and dismissive
B. Neutral and objective
C. Reverent and awestruck
D. Skeptical and questioning
10. The final paragraph of the passage serves to:
A. Introduce new information about the construction techniques used in building the pyramids
B. Summarize the key points discussed throughout the passage
C. Provide a personal opinion on the significance of the pyramids
D. Raise questions about the accuracy of the information presented in the passage
11. The word "panoply" in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to:
A. Scarcity
B. Selection
C. Absence
D. Wide range
12. The author's primary purpose in writing this passage is to:
A. Argue for a specific theory regarding the construction of the pyramids
B. Provide a detailed overview of the significance and legacy of the pyramids
C. Compare the pyramids to other ancient architectural wonders
D. Critique the methods used by archaeologists to study the pyramids
13. The passage suggests that the construction of the pyramids was:
A. A relatively simple task that could be completed in a few years
B. A complex undertaking that required great skill and planning
C. An endeavor that relied primarily on slave labor
D. A collaborative effort between the ancient Egyptians and foreign civilizations
14. The phrase "defies comprehension" in the second paragraph is used to emphasize:
A. The difficulty in understanding the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians
B. The complexity of the mathematical calculations used in the construction of the pyramids
C. The vastness of the labor force required to build the pyramids
D. The immense scale of the limestone blocks used in the construction of the pyramids
15. The author's reference to the "unforgiving Egyptian sun" in the third paragraph serves to:
A. Highlight the challenges faced by the workers who built the pyramids
B. Suggest that the ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun god Ra
C. Imply that the climate of ancient Egypt was significantly different from that of modern times
D. Provide evidence for the theory that the pyramids were built during the summer months
The question of whether morality is objective or relative has been a perennial topic of philosophical discourse. Objectivists maintain that moral judgments have a single correct answer, independent of individual or cultural beliefs, while relativists contend that the truth of moral judgments varies depending on the perspective of the person or society making them. The traditional assumption among philosophers has been that ordinary people are moral objectivists, and much philosophical debate has centered around how to accommodate this assumed intuition within a comprehensive moral theory. However, this assumption has often been made without empirical evidence regarding actual lay intuitions about the nature of morality.
In recent years, the burgeoning fields of experimental philosophy and empirical moral psychology have sought to investigate this question more systematically. Rather than relying on armchair speculation, researchers have conducted controlled studies to probe the moral intuitions of non-philosophers. Surprisingly, the results have consistently painted a more complicated picture than the traditional assumption of widespread objectivism. Instead, studies have revealed significant diversity and conflict in ordinary people's intuitions, with some individuals and situations eliciting more objectivist responses, and others eliciting more relativist ones.
For instance, a study by Adam Feltz and Edward Cokely examined the relationship between belief in moral relativism and the personality trait of openness to experience. Participants' openness to experience was measured using a standard personality inventory, while their moral relativism was assessed by presenting a disagreement between two characters about the moral status of an action, and asking whether one of them must be wrong (the objectivist response), or whether neither need be wrong (the relativist response). Intriguingly, participants' responses were significantly correlated with their openness to experience - those higher in openness were more likely to give relativist responses.
In a similar vein, Geoffrey Goodwin and John Darley investigated the link between moral relativism and a cognitive style that considers multiple possibilities. They presented participants with mathematical puzzles that could only be solved by considering various alternatives, such that those who took a more comprehensive approach would perform better. Remarkably, participants who excelled at these puzzles were significantly more likely to be moral relativists.
Taking a developmental approach, Shaun Nichols and Tricia Folds-Bennett explored how moral cognition changes with age. Inspired by developmental psychology research showing evolving conceptions of the physical world, numerical cognition, and theory of mind throughout childhood, they examined whether there are similar developmental shifts in meta-ethical intuitions. Their results revealed a striking pattern: young children overwhelmingly favored moral objectivism, but relativist responses became increasingly common among older children and adults. This developmental trajectory was later found to reverse in middle age by James Beebe and David Sackris, with older adults showing less relativism than younger adults.
Synthesizing these disparate findings, my collaborators and I proposed a unifying hypothesis: the common factor underlying the various individual differences in moral relativism is the degree to which one engages with and considers alternative perspectives. While different factors such as personality traits, cognitive style, or developmental stage might instigate this broad-minded approach, it reliably gives rise to more relativist moral intuitions whenever it occurs.
To directly test this hypothesis, Hagop Sarkissian, Jennifer Wright, John Park, David Tien and I conducted a series of experiments in which we manipulated the extent to which participants considered alternative viewpoints and examined the downstream effects on their moral objectivism. Some participants read about an individual with an idiosyncratic moral view and were asked to evaluate it from his perspective as well as an outsider's perspective, while others were simply asked for their own opinion. By putting people in a more open-minded frame, we expected to increase relativist responses.
The results confirmed our predictions. Participants who were induced to consider the alternative perspective showed more relativist intuitions than those who were not. This effect emerged across various moral issues and using different manipulations to encourage perspective-taking. It appears that making an effort to understand and engage with different moral views, even hypothetically, shifts our meta-ethical intuitions away from objectivism and towards relativism.
These findings paint a complex picture of folk moral realism. The venerable armchair assumption that ordinary people are steadfast moral objectivists appears empirically untenable. Instead, lay meta-ethical commitments vary substantially depending on individual differences in personality, cognition, and development, as well as situational factors like the salience of alternative perspectives. This suggests that the traditional framing of the philosophical debate, pitting the universal objectivist intuitions of the folk against the relativist theories of philosophers, may be a false dichotomy. Instead, people's intuitions seem to shift between objectivism and relativism depending on the degree to which they engage with and consider alternative viewpoints.
This discovery offers a new perspective on the nature of moral judgments. It suggests that our meta-ethical intuitions are not fixed and invariant, but rather malleable and context-dependent. When we make an effort to put ourselves in others' shoes, we tend to adopt a more relativist stance; when we focus on our own perspective, we tend to be more objectivist. This flexibility suggests that moral judgments may not be simple assertions about facts, but a more complex process of negotiation between different viewpoints.
Moreover, these findings have implications for the philosophical debate itself. They suggest that starting from the intuitions of ordinary people may not be an appropriate foundation for normative theories, as these intuitions are themselves variable and context-dependent. Instead, moral philosophy may need to be more explicit about the conditions under which its theories are meant to apply, and how to account for and accommodate seemingly contradictory intuitions.
In sum, the experimental investigation of moral objectivity has revealed a vibrant psychological landscape that challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of moral judgments. It demonstrates that even on this most abstract of philosophical questions, systematic empirical inquiry can generate new insights and reframe longstanding debates. As the interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology and philosophy continues to deepen, we can hope for further progress in understanding the fundamental nature of human moral capacities.
1. According to the passage, the traditional philosophical assumption about ordinary people's moral intuitions is that they are:
A. Predominantly relativist
B. Predominantly objectivist
C. Evenly divided between objectivism and relativism
D. Variable depending on individual differences and context
E. Unrelated to the philosophical debate about moral realism
2. The study by Adam Feltz and Edward Cokely found that:
A. Openness to experience was unrelated to moral relativism
B. Openness to experience was positively correlated with moral objectivism
C. Openness to experience was negatively correlated with moral relativism
D. Moral objectivists scored higher on openness to experience
E. Openness to experience was positively correlated with moral relativism
3. According to the passage, Geoffrey Goodwin and John Darley's study showed that:
A. Moral relativists performed worse on mathematical puzzles
B. Moral objectivists were better at considering multiple possibilities
C. The ability to consider multiple possibilities was unrelated to moral relativism
D. Those who were better at considering multiple possibilities were more likely to be moral relativists
E. Moral relativism enhances the ability to solve mathematical puzzles
4. The developmental research by Shaun Nichols, Tricia Folds-Bennett, James Beebe and David Sackris suggests that:
A. Children are more relativist than adults
B. Moral relativism decreases throughout the lifespan
C. Moral objectivism peaks in middle age
D. Young children are more objectivist, while relativism increases in adolescence and adulthood before declining in middle age
E. Moral intuitions remain stable throughout development
5. The "unifying hypothesis" proposed by the author and his collaborators is that moral relativism is associated with:
A. High levels of openness to experience
B. Strong mathematical abilities
C. A particular stage of cognitive development
D. Engaging with and considering alternative perspectives
E. Exposure to diverse moral views
6. In the experiments conducted by the author and his colleagues, they manipulated:
A. Participants' openness to experience
B. Participants' ability to solve mathematical puzzles
C. The salience of alternative moral perspectives
D. Participants' stage of moral development
E. The philosophical arguments presented to participants
7. The results of these experiments showed that:
A. Considering alternative perspectives increased moral objectivism
B. Manipulating perspective-taking had no effect on moral intuitions
C. Moral objectivism was more common for some moral issues than others
D. Considering alternative perspectives increased moral relativism
E. The effect of perspective-taking on moral intuitions was inconsistent
8. Based on the passage, which of the following claims about the philosophical debate on moral realism is LEAST supported?
A. The traditional framing of the debate may be misguided
B. Ordinary people's intuitions may not be a suitable starting point for moral theories
C. Moral philosophy should take the variability of intuitions into account
D. Empirical research on moral intuitions can inform philosophical debates
E. The tension between moral objectivity and relativity can be resolved by considering alternative perspectives
1. 定位第一段第三行： The traditional assumption among philosophers has been that ordinary people are moral objectivists
2. 定位第三段最后一句：Intriguingly, participants' responses were significantly correlated with their openness to experience - those higher in openness were more likely to give relativist responses.
3. 定位第四段：emarkably, participants who excelled at these puzzles were significantly more likely to be moral relativists.
4. 定位第五段：Their results revealed a striking pattern: young children overwhelmingly favored moral objectivism, but relativist responses became increasingly common among older children and adults. This developmental trajectory was later found to reverse in middle age by James Beebe and David Sackris, with older adults showing less relativism than younger adults.
5. 定位第六段：the common factor underlying the various individual differences in moral relativism is the degree to which one engages with and considers alternative perspectives.
6. 定位第七段：To directly test this hypothesis, Hagop Sarkissian, Jennifer Wright, John Park, David Tien and I conducted a series of experiments in which we manipulated the extent to which participants considered alternative viewpoints and examined the downstream effects on their moral objectivism.
7. 定位第八段，Participants who were induced to consider the alternative perspective showed more relativist intuitions than those who were not.
8. 文章并未表明通过考虑替代观点可以解决道德客观性和相对性之间的张力。相反,文章表明考虑替代观点会导致更相对主义的直觉(第九段)。 作者: gmatcantkillme 时间: 2024-4-20 14:43
Day 107
CR
DA(BB)
作者: Yeelin椰林 时间: 2024-4-21 22:31
【CR】
1、B
it can be beneficial as it helps record companies gather data on consumer preferences.这个观点是认为online music piracy有益，说明record companies能基于此做出正确决定。A太绝对，文中没提sales所以C不对，文中没直接表明和artists的影响所以D不对，E太绝对。
CR
B、E作者: 一定700！ 时间: 2024-4-23 11:01
看一下！ 作者: 一定700！ 时间: 2024-4-23 11:21
Day 107
CR
1. B
2. A (B)
3 acc complete in 1 day
hire assitant complete half day
decide not to hire. why?
A/. additional benefit
B. reduce productivity 总工作量变小了
C. other staff, 削弱
D. quality of work 和 cost 和 时间没有直接关系
E. time consuming 和cost 和时间没有直接关系
RC
1. B
第二段最后一句
2. E
第三段
3. D
第四段
4. D
5. D
6. C
7. C (D)
第八段 instead
8. E作者: 时间哪 时间: 2024-4-25 09:30
CR: bd
第一题：更像阅读题，总体不能太绝对且不能选没提过的观点，选b
第二题： 方案评价>>找原因>>成本减少但质量也下降，选d作者: AI091943 时间: 2024-4-28 13:41
thx~
