Hi everyone,
Got 6/7 correct in 14:30 minutes, including 6 minutes to read.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------P1In paragraph one we are given that some historians don't believe in the objectivity of scientists. Plus there are some philosophers who seem to think the same because they believe that scientific discoveries are derived from the creativity of the scientists' minds and not from reality. Lastly, the author stresses the fact that these 2 groups are hardly similar but they are similarly extremists.
Purpose: The purpose of this passage is to introduce the historians and to compare them to the philosophers of science
P2Here the author refutes the historians' point of view and states her reasons why.
Purpose: To disagree with the historians
P3Here the author highlights some few interesting aspects coming from the philosophers and the historians. For example, it is true that new discoveries undermine old discoveries sometimes (philosophers' view). Or It's also interesting to analyze the social processes involved in the scientific method as well as the rhetorical devices used to achieve prominence.
Purpose: To identify a flaw in the current scientific method and few interesting aspects coming from the historians' and philosophers' views.
P4In the last paragraph the author suggests that social processes should be studied more
Purpose: To make a suggestion about what comes next
Main point The main point is to refute the general thesis of some historians while acknowledging that some of the historians' view are valuable
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1. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following characterizations of scientific truth?
Pre-thinking
Inference question
The author believes that what has been done is not sufficient (that is hoping that by being in the right place answers will come).
(A) It is often implausible.
Cannot be inferred
(B) It is subject to inevitable falsification.
Cannot be inferred as the author does not agree with this statement
(C) It is rarely obvious and transparent.
Correct. The line of reasoning is similar to the following lines: "We certainly need to get beyond the naive view that the truth will automatically reveal itself to any scientist who looks in the right direction;"
(D) It is rarely discovered by creative processes.
Cannot be inferred
(E) It is less often established by experimentation than by the rhetorical power of scientists.
Cannot be inferred
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2. According to the passage, Kepler’s ideas provide an example of scientific ideas that were
Pre-thinking
Detail question
"And the philosophers of science mentioned above are quite right to argue that new scientific ideas often correct old ones by indicating errors and imprecision (as, say, Newton’s ideas did to Kepler’s)."
(A) corrected by subsequent inquiries
In line with pre-thinking
(B) dependent on a series of prior observations
Not mentioned
(C) originally thought to be imprecise and then later confirmed
Not mentioned
(D) established primarily by the force of an individuals rhetorical power
Not mentioned
(E) specifically taken up for the purpose of falsification by later scientists
Not mentioned
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3. In the third paragraph of the passage, the author is primarily concerned with
Pre-thinking
Function question
As mentioned above:
Purpose: To identify a flaw in the current scientific method and few interesting aspects coming from the historians' and philosophers' views.
(A) presenting conflicting explanations for a phenomenon
No explanations provided
(B) suggesting a field for possible future research
No suggestion is made
(C) qualifying a previously expressed point of view
The author indeed gives some credit to the point of view of philosophers/historians
(D) providing an answer to a theoretical question
No theoretical question is asked
(E) attacking the assumptions that underlie a set of beliefs
The purpose is not to attack
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4. The use of the words “any serious-minded and informed person’ (Highlighted) serves which one of the following functions in the context of the passage?
Pre-thinking
Function question
The purpose is to strengthen the idea that some scientific discoveries cannot be doubted
(A) to satirize chronologically earlier notions about the composition of water
Out of scope
(B) to reinforce a previously stated opinion about certain philosophers of science
Inconsistent as those who think that there is no objectivity are the historians and not the philosophers
(C) to suggest the author’s reservations about the “traditional belief” mentioned in line 22
out of scope
(D) to anticipate objections from someone who would argue for an objectively accurate description of the world
no objection is anticipated
(E) to discredit someone who would argue that certain scientific assertions do not factually describe reality
In line with prethinking
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5. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would most likely agree with which one of the following statements about the relationship between the views of “certain philosophers of science” (Highlighted) and those of the recent historians?
Pre-thinking
Inference question
The author admits that something about these 2 groups of people is right in Paragraph 3. The author thinks that it is interesting to analyze the social elements that lead to a scientific discovery for example. She also thinks that these 2 groups are not very alike but they share something (from P1: "While these philosophers of science themselves would not be likely to have much truck with the recent historians, it is an easy step from their views to the extremism of the historians."
(A) These two views are difficult to differentiate.
This option is discredited in the lat line of P1
(B) These two views share some similarities.
In line with prthinking
(C) The views of the philosophers ought to be seen as the source of the historians’ views.
Cannot be inferred
(D) Both views emphasize the rhetorical power of scientists.
Cannot be inferred
(E) The historians explicitly acknowledge that their views are indebted to those of the philosophers.
Cannot be inferred
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6. Which one of the following best characterizes the author’s assessment of the opinions of the new historians of science, as these opinions are presented in the passage?
Pre-thinking
Inference question
The author thinks that the ideas of historians are fundamentally biased (P2) but that there is something appealing in their research (P3)
(A) They lack any credibility.
Credibility is not discussed
(B) They themselves can be rewardingly studied as social phenomena.
out of scope
(C) They are least convincing when they concern the actions of scientific groups.
when they are more or less convincing is not discussed
(D) Although they are gross overstatements, they lead to some valuable insights.
correct and in line with pre.thinking
(E) Although they are now popular, they are likely to be refused soon.
Out of scope
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7. In concluding the passage, the author does which one of the following?
Pre-thinking
Detail question
The author gives his idea about what should come next
(A) offers a prescription
In line with pre-thinking
(B) presents a paradox
not mentioned
(C) makes a prediction
a prediction is different than giving one's opinion
(D) concedes an argument
Not mentioned
(E) anticipates objections
no objection anticipated
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