Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

In a world bound to the wheel of change, the humanities stress the persistence of unchanging issues. They do not offer the prospect of progress in knowledge as the sciences do, nor do they even offer, as do the social sciences, the promise of such progress. They raise questions about meaning, purpose, and values that a hurried world, enamored of technique, finds uncomfortable.

The author implies that the social sciences:

Rationale

The author implies that the social sciences may someday add to the world's knowledge.

The statement suggests an optimistic view of the potential future contributions of the social sciences, indicating that despite current undervaluation, there is hope for their significance in advancing understanding.

A (are valued for their techniques) YOUR ANSWER

This choice implies that the social sciences are currently recognized for their methodologies. However, the context of the passage emphasizes a lack of current valuation due to aristocratic prejudice, making it unlikely that techniques are presently appreciated.

B (can make no contribution to progress) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests a complete dismissal of the social sciences' relevance. The author's implication is contrary, as they hint at future contributions, indicating that the social sciences do hold potential for progress rather than being entirely ineffective.

C (cannot deal with long-term issues) YOUR ANSWER

While this choice addresses the scope of the social sciences, it misinterprets the author's viewpoint. The passage does not argue that social sciences lack the ability to address long-term issues; rather, it focuses on their current undervaluation and hints at future relevance.

D (may someday add to the world's knowledge) CORRECT

This choice aligns perfectly with the author's implications, suggesting that despite their undervaluation now, the social sciences could eventually play a significant role in enhancing global understanding.

Conclusion

The passage reflects on the historical undervaluation of the arts in the context of social sciences, suggesting that while they may not be highly regarded at present, there is an acknowledgment of their potential future contributions to knowledge. The correct interpretation is that the social sciences may indeed enrich our understanding in the future, despite current prejudices against them.

Related Questions

View all