The reading passage suggests that the carved stone balls found in Scotland served practical purposes, such as being used as weapons, weights for measuring, or tools for a specific function. However, the professor in the lecture disputes these ideas and argues that the stone balls were likely symbolic or decorative rather than practical. First, the reading proposes that the stone balls were used as weapons, similar to slingshot stones or projectiles. However, the professor refutes this claim by pointing out that the surfaces of these balls show no signs of wear or damage. If they had been used as weapons, one would expect cracks, chips, or other marks indicating impact, yet none of these signs are present. This suggests that the stone balls were not designed for combat or hunting. Second, the reading argues that the balls may have functioned as standard weights for measuring goods. The professor challenges this idea by explaining that the stones are made from different materials, such as sandstone and quartzite, which have varying densities. This means that even if two stones appear the same size, their weights would differ, making them unreliable as standardized measuring tools. Finally, the reading suggests that the carved designs on the stones may have had a functional purpose related to gripping or attaching the objects to something. However, the professor presents an alternative explanation, arguing that the carvings were likely symbolic rather than practical. He notes that similar carvings have been found in burial sites, indicating that the stones may have held cultural or ritual significance. Additionally, since some of the carvings are highly intricate, it is more likely that the balls served as status symbols or personal belongings rather than functional tools. In conclusion, while the reading passage presents various practical uses for the carved stone balls, the professor disagrees by explaining that they show no signs of damage from use as weapons, are inconsistent in weight for measurement, and were more likely used for symbolic or decorative purposes rather than functional tasks.