A passage is given with five questions following it. Read the passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the given four alternatives.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into decision-making systems raises profound ethical dilemmas. Unlike humans, AI lacks consciousness or moral intent, yet it increasingly influences areas such as hiring, law enforcement, and healthcare. When algorithms are trained on biased data, they may perpetuate systemic inequalities under the guise of neutrality. Moreover, responsibility becomes diffuse—if an AI-driven system causes harm, who is accountable: the programmer, the user, or the company? Transparency, often lacking in proprietary models, further complicates public trust. Ethical AI development must therefore go beyond functionality; it requires fairness audits, explainability, and robust oversight mechanisms. Without these, we risk embedding opaque biases into institutions that shape human lives. The dilemma is not merely technical but philosophical—can machines, devoid of values, make morally sound choices, or are we outsourcing ethical responsibility to lines of code?
Which of the following best captures the tone of the passage?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The tone of a passage refers to the author's attitude toward the subject. Here is why B is the best fit:
Reflective: The author doesn't just state facts; they contemplate the deeper implications of AI. The final sentence—"The dilemma is not merely technical but philosophical..."—shows a deep, thoughtful consideration of the human-machine relationship.
Cautionary: The author issues a warning about the risks of "opaque biases" and "systemic inequalities." They advocate for strict measures like fairness audits and oversight to prevent harm, which is a classic cautionary stance.