UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 23: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “We take it for granted now…” — Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC

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

aScience must value the commitment of the scientists.

bScience is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.

cIndustrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.

dScience must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The author says that science carrying a social responsibility is a modern idea: earlier scientists felt bound only to tell the truth about the world, and the idea of science as a social enterprise begins with the industrial revolution. So the author's view is that science pursues truth but is now also accountable to society: option (d). The other options pick up side details (scientists' commitment, awareness, the revolution as a product of science) that the passage does not assert.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The commitment of scientists is not the passage's concern.
(b) Wrong. The passage does not say science is a product of civilized society or must promote awareness.
(c) Wrong. The passage dates the idea of social responsibility to the industrial revolution; it does not say science caused the revolution.
(d) Right. It combines the older duty to seek truth with the modern duty to society.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.