PASSAGE 36

The avowed purpose of the exact sciences is to establish complete intellectual control over experience in terms of precise rules which can be formally set out and empirically tested. Could that ideally be fully achieved, all truth and all error could henceforth be ascribed to an exact theory of the universe, while we who accept this theory would be relieved of any occasion for exercising our personal judgement. We should only have to follow the rules faithfully. Classical mechanics approaches this idol so closely that it is often thought to have achieved it. But this leaves out of account the element of personal judgement involved in applying the formulae of mechanics to the facts of experience.

1. The purpose of the exact sciences is to
A) form opinions about our experience
B) formulate principles which will help us to exercise our personal judgement
C) assert our intellectual superiority
D) make formal and testable rules which can help verify experience

2. An exact theory of the universe is
A) not desirable
B) improbable
C) possible
D) yet to be made

3. In exact sciences
A) Personal judgements are set aside in favour of a mechanical theory.
B) One does not find answers to all questions and problems.
C) One reposes faith in actual experience.
D) One interprets the universe according to one’s wish.

4. Classical mechanics
A) has formulated precise rules based on experience
B) has gained intellectual control over the world
C) has formulated an exact theory of the universe
D) just falls short of achieving intel­lectual control over experience

Answer Key

Solution with explanation

1. Option ‘D’ (make formal and testable rules which can help verify experience). The answer lies in the first two lines. EMPIRICALLY = based on what is experienced or seen rather than on theory; e.g.

Empirical  studies  show that some forms of alternative medicine are extremely effective.

2. Option ‘B’ (improbable). The answer lies in these lines — Could that ideal be fully achieved, all truth and all error could henceforth be ascribed to an exact theory of the universe. — According to this it’s improbable to know the exact theory of the universe. IMPROBABLE = not likely to happen

3. Option ‘A’ (personal judgements are set aside in favour of a mechanical theory). The answer lies in the last two lines.

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