comma before 'but' [conjunction]: each of which can... but which come

[Julianus]

1.a. But these are easy to find and lead to the familiar dilemma in the social sciences where we have two conflicting theories, each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support but which come to opposite conclusions. (from Korean university entrance exam)

In that sentences, 'which' indicates 'two conflicting theories', not indicates parallel connection of 'each of'. In other words, while 'each of which' claims the singular form,'comes to', in this sentence, by using the plural form, 'come from', we can see 'which' indicates 'two conflicting theories'.
If so, should it require 'comma' before 'but which' for distiction wih 'each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support' like following?

2. b. But these are easy to find and lead to the familiar dilemma in the social sciences where we have two conflicting theories, each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support, but which come to opposite conclusions.

Thank you always~.

 

[Beryl from Northallerton]

Please clarify this question, jullianus:

In that sentences, 'but which' indicates 'two conflicting theories', not 'but each of which come to ~' for 'each of which' claims 'comes to'.
If so, does it require 'comma' before 'but which' for distiction wih 'each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support' like following?

 

[Julianus]

Please clarify this question, jullianus:

In short, as the second 'which' is not influenced by 'each of', shouldn't 'comma' be used before 'but which'?

 

[Beryl from Northallerton]

I would include a comma if for no better reason than the sentence is somewhat over-long. That said, I do think that a comma is necessary to demarcate the clauses.

 

[Myridon]

In short, as the second 'which' is not influenced by 'each of', shouldn't 'comma' be used before 'but which'?

I would say those two clauses are the ones being joined by "but" - "each of which claim ... but (each of) which come(s) ..."
Adding the comma makes it read as if "each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support" is parenthetical which leaves us with "we have two conflicting theories but which come to opposite conclusions." That doesn't seem right with the "but" and is seemingly redundant with or without it.

 

[Julianus]

I would say those two clauses are the ones being joined by "but" - "each of which claim ... but (each of) which come(s) ..."
Adding the comma makes it read as if "each of which can claim positive empirical evidence in its support" is parenthetical which leaves us with "we have two conflicting theories but which come to opposite conclusions." That doesn't seem right with the "but" and is seemingly redundant with or without it.

I think you are right. but I can't understand why 'comes' is not used instead of 'come'. is it possible like 'each of which come'?

 

[Parla]

I can't understand why 'comes' is not used instead of 'come'.

Because the antecedent of that "which" is the plural "two conflicting theories".

By the way, I don't think a comma is needed before "but".