2023 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 72: Reading Comprehension

Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning ““Science by itself is not enough, there…”

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most rational, logical and practical message conveyed by the passage ?

aModern statesmen need to be well trained in scientific methods and philosophical thinking to enable them to have a better perspective of their roles, responsibilities and goals.
bIt is not desirable to have Governments managed by empirical statesmen unless well mixed with others who are grounded in learning and reflect wisdom.
cAs the statesmen/bureaucrats are the products of a society, it is desirable to have a system of education in a society that focuses on training its citizens in scientific method and philosophical thinking from a very early age.
dIt is desirable that all scientists need to be philosophers as well to make their work goal-oriented and thus purposeful and useful to the society.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage argues that science needs philosophy to give it purpose, that government lacks direction without philosophy in the same way, and that politics cut off from science and philosophy turns destructive. UPSC's answer reads this as saying that governments should not rest on practical, experience-driven statesmen alone, but should draw on people grounded in learning and wisdom. The other options narrow it to training statesmen (a), to early education (c), or wrongly make every scientist a philosopher (d).

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong per UPSC: it narrows the point to training statesmen, though the passage is about what guides government.
  • (b) Right per UPSC: governments need people grounded in learning and wisdom, not experience alone.
  • (c) Wrong: early education of citizens is not discussed.
  • (d) Wrong: the passage does not say all scientists must be philosophers.

Worth knowing: Option (a) fits the passage at least as closely as (b), so UPSC's key can be questioned.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.