Passage
The phenomenon of simultaneous discovery-what science historians call "multiples"-turns out to be extremely common. One of the first comprehensive lists of multiples was put together in 1922 by William Ogburn and Dorothy Thomas; they found 148 major scientific discoveries that fit the multiples pattern. Working independently, both Newton and Leibniz discovered calculus. Three mathematicians "invented" decimal fractions. For Ogburn and Thomas, the sheer number of multiples could mean only one thing: scientific discoveries must, in some sense, be inevitable. They must be in the air, products of the intellectual climate of a specific time and place.
Adapted from Malcolm Gladwell. "In the Air ©2008 by Conde Nast
Which of the following, if true, would best serve to challenge Ogburn and Thomas's belief that the discovery of calculus is an example of the 'phenomenon' mentioned in the first sentence?
Finding a previously unknown letter between Newton and Leibniz discussing calculus that predated its commonly assumed discovery.
This option directly challenges the belief that the discovery of calculus was a standalone phenomenon as it suggests prior communication between Newton and Leibniz, indicating that their discoveries may not have been entirely independent. Such a letter would imply a shared knowledge or influence that contradicts the notion of isolated invention.
While this discovery could provide insight into Newton's thought process and development of calculus, it does not directly challenge the idea that he was the sole inventor. The journal may detail his independent work without implicating Leibniz or any external influences.
This option might suggest a broader context for the development of calculus but does not specifically undermine the phenomenon of independent discovery attributed to Newton and Leibniz. It could indicate parallel developments rather than challenge their individual claims.
While finding an error could impact the perceived accuracy of Newton's work, it does not address the claim of independent discovery. An error would not negate the fact that he developed calculus, nor does it imply that Leibniz's work was influenced by Newton.
To effectively challenge Ogburn and Thomas's assertion regarding the discovery of calculus as an isolated phenomenon, the best evidence is a previously unknown letter indicating communication between Newton and Leibniz. Such a letter would imply a connection that undermines the notion of independent invention, while the other options either provide context or critique without directly addressing the core claim of isolated discovery.
Related Questions
View allIn context, 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' serve as examples of media...
The author mentions the best-seller lists and the Book-of-the-Month Cl...
The third paragraph (sentences 5–8) indicates that in the past, the na...
The author implies that the social sciences:
In the passage, the author refers to the photography technique of doub...
Related Quizzes
View allACCUPLACER Next Generation Arithmetic
Next Generation ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Practice Test
ACCUPLACER Next Generation Arithmetic Answers
Next Generation Arithmetic ACCUPLACER
Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Arithmetic Scores
ACCUPLACER Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics
ACCUPLACER Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics Answers
Next Generation ACCUPLACER Score Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics
Next Generation ACCUPLACER Scores Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics
- ✓ 500+ Practice Questions
- ✓ Detailed Explanations
- ✓ Progress Analytics
- ✓ Exam Simulations