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 sense further back, because we nurse the illusion that the industrial revolution ended a golden age.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the thinking of the author about the science?
a) Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
b) Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.
c) Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
Correct answer: d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper
Explanation:
To answer this question, let’s analyze the key points from the given passage:
1. The author states that we now take for granted that science has a social responsibility.
2. This idea of social responsibility in science is described as modern, beginning with the industrial revolution.
3. Earlier scientists like Newton and Galileo did not consider social responsibility; they focused solely on describing the world accurately.
4. The author mentions that we’re surprised this social sense doesn’t go further back in history.
Based on these points, the option that best reflects the author’s thinking about science is:
d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
This option captures two essential aspects of the author’s view:
1. The traditional role of science (as exemplified by Newton and Galileo) was to pursue truth and accurately describe the world. This aligns with the “must pursue truth” part of the statement.
2. The modern conception of science, which emerged with the industrial revolution, includes a sense of social responsibility. This corresponds to the “be responsible for social welfare” part of the statement.