UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper II · Q23 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage—2 We take it for granted now that science has a social responsibility. The idea would not have occurred to Newton or Galileo. They thought of science as an account of the world as it is, and the only responsibility that they acknowledged was to tell the truth. The idea that science is a social enterprise is modern, and it begins at the industrial revolution. We are surprised that we cannot trace a social

Which one of the following statements best reflects the thinking of the author about the science?

  1. (a) Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
  2. (b) Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.
  3. (c) Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
  4. (d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare. ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The passage contrasts the views of Newton and Galileo, who saw science solely as an account of the world and a duty to tell the truth, with the modern view that science is a social enterprise.

• It states that the idea of science having a social responsibility is a modern concept that began with the industrial revolution.

• The author implies that while the pursuit of truth (the 'account of the world as it is') remains fundamental, modern science also carries a social responsibility.

• Therefore, the author's thinking is that science must continue to pursue truth but also accept responsibility for social welfare.

• Option (d) accurately combines these two elements: the pursuit of truth and the responsibility for social welfare.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
The passage does not mention the 'commitment of the scientists' as a core value of science itself.
(b) Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of…
The passage does not state that science is a 'product of civilized society' nor does it focus on 'scientific awareness' as the primary goal.
(c) Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
The passage states that the idea of science as a social enterprise began at the industrial revolution, not that the industrial revolution was made possible by science advancements.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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