Instructions

Read the following passage and answer the two questions that follow.

And that has to do with the question of uncertainty and doubt. A scientist is never certain. We all know that. We know that all our statements are approximate statements with different degrees of certainty; that when a statement is made, the question is not whether it is true or false but rather how likely it is to be true or false. We must discuss each question within the uncertainties that are allowed. And as evidence grows it increases the probability perhaps that some idea is right or decreases it. But it never makes absolutely certain one way or the other. Now, we have found that this is of paramount importance in order to progress. We absolutely must leave room for doubt or there is no progress and there is no learning. There is no learning without having to pose a question. And a question requires doubt. People search for certainty. But there is no certainty. People are terrified- how can you live and not know? It is not odd at all. You only think you know as a matter of fact. And most of your actions are based on incomplete knowledge and you really don’t know what it is all about or what the purpose of the world is or know a great deal of other things. It is possible to live and not know.

Question 51

Which of the following BEST describes the essence of the passage?

Solution

The main argument of the author is made in the line, "We absolutely must leave room for doubt, or there is no progress, and there is no learning". The main idea is that for a scientist, there is always scepticism; we are never certain, and all we say is how likely we are to be true. 

Option A: This is not what is stated in the text, it is not that science can never give a conclusive answer but that "A scientist is never certain. "

Option B: This option is close but focuses on the discomfort with certain things rather than the importance of questioning by a scientist, as presented in the passage. 

Option C: While the statement follows the general idea presented, the text is not about questioning just the accepted truths but everything in general. 

Option D: This is precisely the message conveyed by the passage: the importance of reasonable scepticism in a scientist.  

Option E: This is entirely out of scope and, hence, can easily be eliminated 

Thus, the correct option is D.


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