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Question

Difficulty: MediumApplying Passage Principles

A passage on archaeological methodology establishes the 'Principle of Stratigraphic Integrity,' which dictates that an excavated artifact can be reliably dated to the era of its surrounding soil layer if and only if the layer shows no evidence of post-depositional disturbance and the artifact exhibits weathering consistent with the chemical composition of that specific soil layer.

Suppose a bronze ax head is discovered in a completely undisturbed soil layer dating to the 9th century CE. The soil layer is highly alkaline, yet the ax head exhibits a specific type of corrosion that occurs solely during prolonged exposure to highly acidic environments.

Statement: According to the Principle of Stratigraphic Integrity, the bronze ax head can be reliably dated to the 9th century CE.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because the principle explicitly requires two conditions to be met for reliable dating. While the soil layer is undisturbed, the artifact's acid-induced corrosion contradicts the highly alkaline chemical composition of the layer. Therefore, it fails the second necessary condition, and the dating cannot be considered reliable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the requirements of the passage principle.
The principle requires two necessary conditions for reliable dating: (1) no post-depositional disturbance, and (2) weathering consistent with the soil layer's chemical composition.
To correctly apply the principle, all necessary conditional boundaries must be identified.
2
Evaluate the hypothetical scenario against the first condition.
The layer is explicitly described as completely undisturbed, meaning the first condition is satisfied.
To determine if the first boundary of the rule is met.
3
Evaluate the hypothetical scenario against the second condition.
The ax head shows acid-induced corrosion, which is inconsistent with the highly alkaline nature of the soil layer. The second condition is violated.
To determine if all qualifying criteria are satisfied.
4
Determine the final compliance with the principle.
Because one of the necessary conditions is violated, the artifact cannot be reliably dated to the era of the soil layer under this principle.
The 'if and only if' clause requires both conditions to be simultaneously true.

Key Concept

Applying Passage Principles (Strict Conditional Boundaries)
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Topics

Applying Passage Principles

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