Which of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
- (a) It is the faith and not science that can finally solve all the problems of mankind.
- (b) Science and faith can be mutually complementary if their proper domains are understood. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) There are some very fundamental questions which cannot be answered by either science or faith.
- (d) In today's culture, scientific views are given more importance than spiritual views.
Why the answer is (b)
• The passage explicitly states that science is used to understand nature but cannot answer fundamental questions like 'Why is there something instead of nothing?'.
• It further asserts that in those specific domains where science falls short, 'faith provides a better path to answers.'
• This distinction implies that science and faith operate in different spheres: science for natural phenomena and faith for existential or metaphysical questions.
• Therefore, the logical inference is that they are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other when their respective domains are respected.
• Option (b) correctly captures this complementary relationship based on the author's delineation of the limits of science and the utility of faith.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) It is the faith and not science that can finally solve all the problems of mankind.
- The passage states faith answers specific questions science cannot, not that it solves 'all' problems of mankind, which is an overgeneralization.
- (c) There are some very fundamental questions which cannot be answered by either science or…
- The passage explicitly claims that faith provides answers to the fundamental questions science cannot answer, contradicting the claim that neither can answer them.
- (d) In today's culture, scientific views are given more importance than spiritual views.
- While the author mentions it is 'anachronistic' that science is prioritized, the passage does not provide sufficient evidence to infer that scientific views are objectively given more importance in today's culture as a general fact.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.