The apparent change from the rather mechanistic explanation of evolut

Question

Aristotle RC 99 - Passage 28     
   The apparent change from the rather mechanistic explanation of evolution put forth by the Greeks to the more creationist reasoning found later in Europe was a significant paradigm shift, yet it is clear that the idea of evolution was not first pioneered by Darwin himself. 
 
It is essential to confront the creationist issue and to look at it in a scientific manner. Creationism is not science and doesn‘t belong in the science classroom. However, a frank discussion of creationism with students is also important. To avoid it may suggest that perhaps there is something valid there, lurking in the irrationality. 
 
The late Carl Sagan, one of the staunchest advocates of rationality and reason in the increasingly irrational and superstitious world in which we live, has defended the importance of good science teaching by saying: ―In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human,   may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness.‖ In its most simple form, the concept of evolution is that populations of organisms change over time. One can trace the origins of evolutionary thought at least as far back as the Greeks. 
 
Anaximander, in 500 BC, held the belief that living creatures were formed from water and that humans and other animals were descended from fishes. Empedocles, around 400 BC, proposed an evolutionary hypothesis in which he stated that heads, limbs, and various other parts of animals were continuously joined in random combinations – e.g. human heads with cows‘ bodies – and that only some of these combinations were fit for survival. 
 
Christian philosophers later elaborated on the ideas of Aristotle and Plato when they reasoned that because existence is a good thing and because God is considered benevolent, God must have bestowed existence on all creatures. This twist of circular reasoning, to which the name ―natural theology‖ was applied, dominated the period preceding Darwin, and this philosophy resisted change long after Darwin published his theory of natural selection in 1859. 
 
Thomas Huxley, one of Darwin‘s most ardent supporters, was one of the founding members of the powerful London School Board, which helped to set curriculum guidelines for students and teachers. However, in the United States a strong biblical fundamentalism was taking hold, using the Bible as both a means of consolation as well as a guide for moral conduct. Many states passed laws banning the teaching of evolution in schools, and teachers who persisted either did so quietly or allowed themselves to be martyred. Most recently, those opposed to the teaching of evolution in schools have pressed the idea of ―creation science,‖ a tactic devised by creationists in the late 1960s to infiltrate America‘s science classrooms with religious ideas. 
 
Creation science, despite the apparent oxymoron, is a phrase that has been widely used by creationists to add legitimacy to their claims by stating that creationism is a scientific theory just as much as evolution. By claiming that their ideas are scientific, creationists could then demand equal time in the classroom devoted to both evolutionary theory and the ―theory‖ of creationism.   1  
 1. When reviewing all of the arguments made in the passage it becomes apparent that the author‘s main idea in this passage is:  
 
A. to explain the differences between natural selection and creation science. 
B. to show how the continued spread of creationist views is a potentially dangerous affront to a rational, scientific understanding of evolution. 
C. to contrast the creationist viewpoints, such as fundamentalism and natural theology with more ancient views of evolution. 
D. to explain why the concepts of evolution are more scientifically correct than those of ―creation science.‖ 
E. to argue that ‗creation science‘ is the best explanation of evolution

2 
 2. The author brings up Greek philosophers to point out which of the following:  
 
A. that the origins of evolutionary thought comprised some silly notions such as heads, limbs, and various other parts of animals were always being joined in random combinations. 
B. that the origins of evolutionary thought began long before Darwin. 
C. that both evolutionary thought and creationism have their origins among the Greeks. 
D. Anaximander first came up with the theory of evolution. 
E. Greeks were far more learned than any other group at that time 
 
 3 
 3. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?  
 
A. A frank discussion of creationism is pointless 
B. Carl Sagan was indifferent towards rationality 
C. Anaximander believed that humans were descended from apes 
D. Thomas Huxley approved of Darwin‘s theories 
E. Christian philosophers rejected the ideas of Aristotle and Plato

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NiftyNiffler · Answer

Q1: When reviewing all of the arguments made in the passage it becomes apparent that the author‘s main idea in this passage is:

A. to explain the differences between natural selection and creation science.  -- Not much is spoken in passage with regards to the differences between Natural selection and creation science.  
B. to show how the continued spread of creationist views is a potentially dangerous affront to a rational, scientific understanding of evolution.  -- CORRECT, the tone of the author is very dismissive of creationism  
   examples: (i) Creationism is not science and doesn‘t belong in the science classroom. (ii) Last paragraph is very critical of creation science (oxymoron, claims etc)  
C. to contrast the creationist viewpoints, such as fundamentalism and natural theology with more ancient views of evolution.  -- The author doesn't detail a lot on the contrasting viewpoints 
D. to explain why the concepts of evolution are more scientifically correct than those of  ―creation science.‖ -- Though the author is skeptical of creationism, he has not spoken at length about evolution or its scientific accuracy 
E. to argue that ‗creation science‘ is the best explanation of evolution  -- Author does the exact opposite

Q2: The author brings up Greek philosophers to point out which of the following:

A. that the origins of evolutionary thought comprised some silly notions such as heads, limbs, and various other parts of animals were always being joined in random combinations.  -- This was the view of one person Anaximander as backed by the passage 
B. that the origins of evolutionary thought began long before Darwin.  -- This speaks of a part of Greeks' contribution to evolution science 
C. that both evolutionary thought and creationism have their origins among the Greeks.  -- CORRECT, because the paradigm shift and examples of Anaximander and Empedocles hint at the fact that Greeks contributed to both Evolutionary thoughts and creationism 
D. Anaximander first came up with the theory of evolution.  -- Not at all backed by the passage 
E. Greeks were far more learned than any other group at that time  -- same as D

Q3: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. A frank discussion of creationism is pointless  -- Not really. The author clearly says, "However, a frank discussion of creationism with students is also important. To avoid it may suggest that perhaps there is something valid there, lurking in the irrationality." 
B. Carl Sagan was indifferent towards rationality  -- On the contrary, he was one of the staunchest supporters of rationality 
C. Anaximander believed that humans were descended from apes  -- He believed humans evolved from fish 
D. Thomas Huxley approved of Darwin‘s theories  -- CORRECT. Directly quoted in the passage as "one of Darwin‘s most ardent supporters" 
E. Christian philosophers rejected the ideas of Aristotle and Plato  -- On the contrary, they later "elaborated on the ideas of Aristotle and Plato"

bM22 · Answer

1. When reviewing all of the arguments made in the passage it becomes apparent that the author‘s main idea in this passage is:

A. to explain the differences between natural selection and creation science.
 B. to show how the continued spread of creationist views is a potentially dangerous affront to a rational, scientific understanding of evolution.
 C. to contrast the creationist viewpoints, such as fundamentalism and natural theology with more ancient views of evolution.
D. to explain why the concepts of evolution are more scientifically correct than those of ―creation science.‖
E. to argue that ‗creation science‘ is the best explanation of evolution

Correct Answer - B
 Explanation: as mentioned in the passage: "It is essential to confront the creationist issue and to look at it in a scientific manner. Creationism is not science and doesn't belong in the science classroom. ", implies that the author is not in favor of creationism is not science and throughout the passage he seems skeptical of the same and mentions, "Creation science, despite the apparent oxymoron, is a phrase that has been widely used by creationists to add legitimacy to their claims by stating that creationism is a scientific theory just as much as evolution", thus we can see that what author is really trying to convey is that creationist theories are not science.
Option A, D - incorrect- not the main idea of the passage.
Option C - incorrect, as author is not trying to contrast the creationist viewpoints, even before mentioning the view points he seems opposed to the same.
Option E - incorrect, not consistent with information mentioned in the passage.

2. The author brings up Greek philosophers to point out which of the following:

A. that the origins of evolutionary thought comprised some silly notions such as heads, limbs, and various other parts of animals were always being joined in random combinations.
B. that the origins of evolutionary thought began long before Darwin.
 C. that both evolutionary thought and creationism have their origins among the Greeks.
 D. Anaximander first came up with the theory of evolution.
E. Greeks were far more learned than any other group at that time

Correct Answer: C
 Explanation: as mentioned in the passage: "One can trace the origins of evolutionary thought at least as far back as the Greeks.", and also that the views of Anaximander and Empedocles held the creationist views, implying that both the evolutionary and creationists views have their origin among the Greeks.
Option A,B,D - incorrect, as though this is mentioned, but its not the reason, why the author brings up the Greeks.
Option E - incorrect, not explicitly mentioned in the passage.

3. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. A frank discussion of creationism is pointless
B. Carl Sagan was indifferent towards rationality
C. Anaximander believed that humans were descended from apes
 D. Thomas Huxley approved of Darwin‘s theories
 E. Christian philosophers rejected the ideas of Aristotle and Plato

Correct Answer - D,
 Explanation: as mentioned in the passage: "Thomas Huxley, one of Darwin‘s most ardent supporters, was one of the founding members of the powerful London School Board, which helped to set curriculum guidelines for students and teachers."
Option A - incorrect, as he mentions in the passage: "It is essential to confront the creationist issue and to look at it in a scientific manner."
Option B - incorrect, as he mentions in the passage: "The late Carl Sagan, one of the staunchest advocates of rationality and reason in the increasingly irrational and superstitious world in which we live," so the opposite of the statement has been mentioned in the passage.
Option C - incorrect, as what is mentioned is: "Anaximander, in 500 BC, held the belief that living creatures were formed from water and that humans and other animals were descended from fishes."
Option E - incorrect, as what is mentioned is: "Christian philosophers later elaborated on the ideas of Aristotle and Plato when"

Adi88 · Answer

Within the above passage, which is in quotes, a highlighted answer choice for each question has a corresponding highlighted paragraph or a few paragraphs. I believe, once you read the highlighted portions, answers can easily be understood.

ashu2503 · Answer

Why is option B not correct for Question 2?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Passage Summary

Topic and Scope

The history of theories of evolution and the appropriateness of teaching evolution, rather than ―creation science in the classroom

Mapping the Passage

Para 1  points out that Darwin was not the first person to argue for evolution.

Para 2  argues that science classes should not teach creation science.

Para 3  introduces a quote from Carl Sagan arguing the above statement and points to the simplest form of the concept of evolution.

Para 4  introduces ancient analogues of evolutionary theory.

Para 5  discusses the Christian philosophy of ―natural theology which dominated the period before Darwin.

Para 6  outlines the beginning of evolution‘s acceptance in classrooms, as well as the resistance it met in America.

Paragraphs 6 and 7  discuss recent attempts to combat the teaching of evolution by introducing the  "dangerous"  ―creation science.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The author brings up Greek philosophers to point out which of the following:

Difficulty Level:   750

Explanation

While this question is straightforward, the answer choices are meant to trick the test taker who does not take time to read through all the possibilities. The author brings up Anaximander and Empedocles in  Paragraph 3  as evidence of his claim that ―one can trace the origins of evolutionary thought at least as far back as the Greeks.‖ But be careful—he also brings up Plato and Aristotle in  Paragraph 4 , stating that Christian philosophers elaborated on their ideas when they came up with what became creationism. Therefore both evolution and creationism have their origins in Greece.  C  is correct.

(A):  Faulty Use of Detail. The later part of this answer is taken from  Paragraph 3  when the author details Empedocles‘ theory, but his point was never to show is was silly.

(B):  Faulty Use of Detail. This is the point of  Paragraph 3 , but it ignores the evidence in  Paragraph 4 .

(C):  The correct answer

(D):  Out of Scope. Anaximander is the earliest source mentioned as a precursor to evolutionary theory, but the author never claims that he is the original source.

(E):  Extreme language

Answer: C

mSKR · Answer

Why is it assumed that all the philosphers mentioned such as Anaximander, Empedocles ( for ideal of evolution ), Christian philosophers ( for idea of creation) were among the Greeks. ?

The first para only mentions:

More creationist reasoning found later in Europe was a significant paradigm shift – it doesn’t say that idea was shifted among Greeks .

please suggest  NiftyNiffler   bm2201   SajjadAhmad

bM22 · Answer

Hi  imSKR ,

With Regards to your 1st question:

We can infer it from the last of the 3rd para: "One can trace the origins of evolutionary thought at least as far back as the Greeks." and then the author goes on to discuss Anaximander, Empedocles and their beliefs, implying that evolutionary thought and creationism can be dated as far back as 500 BC. 
This means that the idea of evolution was not first introduced by Darwin.

This would also answer your second question:

That since the theories of evolution can be traced back to the Greeks, implies that it would have it roots among the Greeks.

Let me know if this helps.
Thanks.

thakurarun85 · Answer

There is no line in passage confirming that " creationism has its origin among the Greeks. ". For Q2 option D looks incorrect.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The author brings up Greek philosophers to point out which of the following:

Difficulty Level:   700+

Explanation

While this question is straightforward, the answer choices are meant to trick the test taker who does not take time to read through all the possibilities. The author brings up Anaximander and Empedocles in  Para 3  as evidence of his claim that ―one can trace the origins of evolutionary thought at least as far back as the Greeks. But be careful—he also brings up Plato and Aristotle in  Para 4 , stating that Christian philosophers elaborated on their ideas when they came up with what became creationism. Therefore both evolution and creationism have their origins in Greece.  C  is correct.

(A):  Faulty Use of Detail. The later part of this answer is taken from  Para 3  when the author details Empedocles‘ theory, but his point was never to show is was silly.

(B):  Faulty Use of Detail. This is the point of  Para 3 , but it ignores the evidence in  Para 4 .

(C):  The correct answer

(D):  Out of Scope. Anaximander is the earliest source mentioned as a precursor to evolutionary theory, but the author never claims that he is the original source.

(E):  Extreme language

Answer: C

Its_me_aka_ak · Answer

for B vs C why are we implying that para 4 mentions are of creationist view when they seem to be of elotutionist view "Anaximander, in 500 BC, held the belief that living creatures were formed from water and that humans and other animals were descended from fishes".

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Although I posted the OE from Aristotle I believe this question is trash. No reason to spend time on it.

Its_me_aka_ak · Answer

This makes sense actually. thanks for the update

VerbalBot · Answer

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The apparent change from the rather mechanistic explanation of evolut

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The apparent change from the rather mechanistic explanation of evolut

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