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 singular phenomenon attributed solely to Newton and Leibniz by suggesting that there was prior collaboration or communication about calculus, indicating that it wasn't an isolated incident.
While discovering Newton's journal could provide insight into his thought processes, it does not challenge the idea that he independently discovered calculus. It may instead reinforce his role in the development of calculus rather than contest the singular nature of the 'phenomenon.'
This choice would suggest that other mathematicians contributed to calculus, but it still does not fundamentally dispute the notion that Newton and Leibniz are the primary figures credited with its discovery. It merely broadens the scope of its development without negating their contributions.
Finding a minor error could undermine specific claims about Newton's work but does not provide evidence against the idea that he discovered calculus. It may affect the validity of his findings but does not change the historical narrative of his and Leibniz's contributions as the primary developers of calculus.
The assertion that the discovery of calculus is a distinct 'phenomenon' is best challenged by the evidence of a prior correspondence between Newton and Leibniz. This implies that the idea of calculus was being discussed before its recognized discovery, thus complicating the singular narrative of its invention by these two figures. The other options, while potentially interesting, do not sufficiently contest the central claim regarding the nature of the discovery itself.
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