Anthropologist: A long-standing model of societal evolution posits that large-scale social stratification and complex monumental engineering invariably required the prior development of agricultural food surpluses. The recently excavated site at Venta Ridge, however, challenges this view. Radiocarbon dating reveals that Venta Ridge's massive, intricately coordinated stone temples were constructed thousands of years before the region shows any evidence of farming, during a period when its inhabitants relied entirely on nomadic foraging.
Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the anthropologist's argument by the reference to the recently excavated site at Venta Ridge?
- It is introduced as a specific case that falsifies a universally applied theoretical model.Answer
- BIt is the primary conclusion that the anthropologist is attempting to establish.
- CIt is offered as a specific exception intended to refine the accepted definition of a nomadic foraging society.
- DIt is cited to prove that a majority of prehistoric foraging societies were capable of monumental engineering.
- EIt is presented as evidence to establish that agricultural food surpluses never preceded large-scale social stratification.
Answer
The correct answer accurately states that the site is introduced as a specific case that falsifies a universally applied theoretical model.
The anthropologist begins by describing a universally applied model: large-scale stratification 'invariably required' prior agriculture. The argument then introduces Venta Ridge as a factual exception—a site with massive structural engineering but no agriculture. In logic, introducing a specific instance where a universal rule fails is known as providing a counterexample. Thus, the reference functions to falsify the universal theoretical model.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the role of a counterexample in refuting a universal claim.