Reading, Writing and Reasoning for Sociology PYQ 2020
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SECTION-I
Write an essay (500-600 words) on the
following topics:
a) E-Commerce
Ans. E-Commerce:
Transforming the Way We Shop and Do Business
In the digital age, where technology
continually evolves, e-commerce has emerged as a transformative force that
reshapes the way we shop and conduct business. E-commerce, or electronic
commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the
internet. It has revolutionized the retail industry, altered consumer behavior,
and disrupted traditional business models. This essay explores the growth,
impact, and future of e-commerce.
The
E-Commerce Revolution:
E-commerce has come a long way since
its inception in the early 1990s. Initially, it was a novel concept, with
limited products and a skeptical consumer base. However, with advancements in
technology, secure payment systems, and improved logistics, it has grown
exponentially. Today, e-commerce encompasses a vast array of products and
services, ranging from clothing and electronics to groceries and digital
subscriptions.
Impact
on Retail:
One of the most significant impacts
of e-commerce is on the retail industry. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores
have had to adapt or face obsolescence. E-commerce platforms offer consumers
convenience, variety, and the ability to shop 24/7 from the comfort of their
homes. This shift has forced traditional retailers to enhance their online
presence or adopt an omnichannel approach, blending online and offline shopping
experiences.
Changing
Consumer Behavior:
E-commerce has not only changed where
we shop but also how we shop. Consumers are now accustomed to comparing prices,
reading reviews, and conducting extensive research online before making a
purchase. This shift in consumer behavior has empowered buyers with
information, making them more discerning and demanding better value for their
money.
Global
Reach:
One of the defining features of
e-commerce is its global reach. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can now
access a global customer base without the need for a physical presence in
multiple countries. This has democratized the marketplace, allowing for increased
competition and fostering innovation.
Economic
Growth and Job Creation:
E-commerce has become a significant
driver of economic growth. It has created opportunities for entrepreneurs to
start their own businesses and for established companies to expand their reach.
Moreover, e-commerce logistics, digital marketing, and technology sectors have
witnessed substantial job growth as a direct result of the e-commerce boom.
Challenges
and Concerns: Despite its
many advantages, e-commerce also faces several challenges and concerns:
1)
Cybersecurity: As e-commerce relies heavily
on the internet, it is susceptible to cyberattacks and data breaches, which can
compromise sensitive customer information.
2)
Counterfeit Products: The ease of setting up online
stores has led to an increase in counterfeit and fake products, posing risks to
consumer safety and brand reputation.
3)
Privacy Concerns: E-commerce platforms collect
vast amounts of consumer data, raising concerns about privacy and how this data
is used.
4)
Environmental Impact: The rapid delivery model of
e-commerce can contribute to increased carbon emissions and packaging waste.
5)
Marketplace Dominance: A few major e-commerce
platforms have achieved significant market dominance, leading to concerns about
competition and market power.
The
Future of E-Commerce: The future of e-commerce is poised for continued growth and innovation.
Here are some trends and developments to watch for:
1)
Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce):
With the proliferation of smartphones, mobile commerce is on the rise, allowing
consumers to shop anytime and anywhere.
2)
AI and Personalization: Artificial intelligence and
machine learning are being used to personalize shopping experiences, making
recommendations and tailored offers based on individual preferences.
3)
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies are being integrated into e-commerce to provide
immersive and interactive shopping experiences.
4)
Sustainable Practices: E-commerce companies are
increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, such as optimizing packaging and
reducing carbon footprints.
5)
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain is being explored
to enhance transparency in supply chains and reduce the risk of counterfeit
products.
In
conclusion, e-commerce has fundamentally
transformed the way we shop and conduct business. Its impact on retail,
consumer behavior, and the global economy is undeniable. While it presents
challenges and concerns, its potential for growth and innovation is immense. As
technology continues to advance, e-commerce will continue to evolve, shaping
the future of commerce and trade in an increasingly interconnected world.
b) Empowered Woman
Ans.
Title: Empowered Woman: Shaping a Better World
In recent decades, the concept of an
empowered woman has taken center stage, challenging traditional gender roles
and reshaping societies across the globe. An empowered woman is one who
possesses the confidence, skills, and opportunities to pursue her dreams, make
choices that are right for her, and contribute meaningfully to her community
and the world at large. This essay delves into the significance, challenges,
and the path forward for empowered women.
The
Significance of an Empowered Woman:
1)
Gender Equality: Empowered women play a
pivotal role in achieving gender equality. When women have equal access to
education, employment, and decision-making roles, societies become more
inclusive, diverse, and equitable.
2)
Economic Growth: Women’s empowerment is linked
to economic growth. As women join the workforce and entrepreneurial ventures,
they contribute to increased productivity, innovation, and economic
development.
3)
Social Progress: Empowered women often lead
efforts to address social issues such as healthcare, education, and poverty
alleviation, leading to more effective solutions and improved living conditions
for communities.
4)
Political Participation: Empowered women are more
likely to engage in politics and civic leadership, which enhances democratic
processes and fosters representation of diverse perspectives.
Challenges
on the Path to Empowerment:
1)
Gender Stereotypes: Deep-rooted gender
stereotypes and biases persist in many societies, limiting opportunities for
women and perpetuating inequalities.
2)
Access to Education: In some regions, girls still
face barriers to accessing quality education, which is a fundamental step
toward empowerment.
3)
Economic Disparities: The gender pay gap and
limited access to economic resources continue to hinder women’s economic
empowerment.
4)
Violence and Discrimination:
Gender-based violence and discrimination remain pervasive issues, hindering
women’s ability to exercise their rights and pursue their goals.
Empowerment
Initiatives:
1)
Education: Empowerment often begins with
education. Initiatives aimed at providing girls and women with access to
quality education are critical in breaking down barriers and building
self-confidence.
2)
Economic Opportunities: Creating economic
opportunities through skills training, access to credit, and entrepreneurship
support can empower women economically.
3)
Legal Reforms: Enacting and enforcing laws
that protect women’s rights, including property and inheritance rights, are
essential for their empowerment.
4)
Leadership Development: Leadership training and
mentorship programs can empower women to take on leadership roles in politics,
business, and civil society.
5)
Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about
gender equality issues and challenging stereotypes through media and advocacy
campaigns can drive societal change.
The
Path Forward:
1)
Education for All: Ensuring that all girls have
access to quality education is crucial for building a foundation of
empowerment.
2)
Economic Inclusion: Promoting women’s economic
inclusion through equal pay, entrepreneurship opportunities, and support for
female-owned businesses.
3)
Legal Reforms: Advocating for legal reforms
that protect women’s rights and ensure gender equality under the law.
4)
Mentorship and Support: Creating mentorship programs
and support networks to help women overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
5)
Changing Mindsets: Continually challenging and
changing societal attitudes and stereotypes that limit women’s potential.
In
conclusion, an empowered woman is a catalyst
for positive change at all levels of society. Her empowerment not only benefits
her but also contributes to gender equality, economic growth, and social
progress. To create a world where every woman is empowered, we must address the
challenges and inequalities that hinder their progress and actively promote
initiatives that support their rights and opportunities. Empowering women is
not just a matter of justice; it is a key driver of human progress and a
brighter, more equitable future for all.
c) Local Cultures
Ans.
Title- The Rich Tapestry of Local
Cultures: Preserving Heritage in a Globalized
World
Local cultures are the heart and soul
of societies around the world. They encompass the unique customs, traditions,
languages, arts, and values of a specific community or region. In an
increasingly globalized world, the preservation and celebration of local
cultures are crucial for maintaining diversity, fostering cultural identity,
and promoting mutual respect and understanding among people. This essay
explores the significance of local cultures, the challenges they face, and the
importance of preserving them.
The
Significance of Local Cultures:
1)
Cultural Identity: Local cultures provide
individuals with a sense of belonging and identity. They shape our values,
beliefs, and behaviors, giving us a sense of purpose and connection to our
roots.
2)
Diversity: The world is a mosaic of diverse
cultures, each contributing to the richness of human civilization. Local
cultures are repositories of unique knowledge, practices, and artistic
expressions.
3)
Social Cohesion: Local cultures foster social
cohesion within communities. Shared traditions and customs create bonds among
individuals, strengthening social ties and promoting a sense of community.
4)
Heritage: Local cultures preserve the heritage
of a region or community, passing down knowledge and practices from one
generation to the next. This continuity helps maintain a link to the past and
informs the future.
Challenges
to Local Cultures:
1)
Globalization: The spread of global culture,
often dominated by Western influences, can lead to the erosion of local
cultures as they assimilate into a globalized mainstream.
2)
Urbanization: The migration of people from rural
to urban areas can disrupt traditional ways of life, leading to the loss of
cultural practices and languages.
3)
Cultural Appropriation: Commercialization and
appropriation of local cultural elements by external entities can undermine the
authenticity and significance of local cultures.
4)
Linguistic Diversity: Many local languages are
endangered due to the dominance of a few major languages. When languages die
out, a significant part of a culture is lost.
Importance
of Preserving Local Cultures:
1)
Cultural Diversity: The world is richer and more
vibrant when diverse cultures coexist. Preserving local cultures ensures a
tapestry of cultural diversity that benefits humanity as a whole.
2)
Cultural Exchange: Understanding and
appreciating local cultures can promote cross-cultural dialogue and
cooperation, fostering peace and mutual respect.
3)
Sustainable Development: Many local practices and
traditions are closely tied to sustainable and eco-friendly ways of life.
Preserving these practices can contribute to more sustainable development.
4)
Identity and Well-being: Cultural identity is integral
to an individual’s well-being. When people are encouraged to embrace their
cultural heritage, they often experience a stronger sense of identity and
pride.
Preservation
Efforts:
1)
Education: Integrating local cultural knowledge
into education systems helps young generations learn about and appreciate their
cultural heritage.
2)
Documentation: Recording oral histories,
documenting traditional practices, and preserving endangered languages are
vital steps in preserving local cultures.
3)
Cultural Festivals: Celebrating local festivals
and events helps keep traditions alive and educates the wider population about
local cultures.
4)
Support for Artisans: Providing economic support
and market access to local artisans and craftsmen encourages the continuation
of traditional arts and crafts.
5)
Cultural Policies: Governments can enact
policies that protect and promote local cultures, including the preservation of
linguistic diversity and the promotion of cultural tourism.
In
conclusion, local cultures are precious assets
that enrich our world. They offer unique perspectives, knowledge, and artistry
that deserve to be preserved and celebrated. In an era of globalization,
preserving local cultures is not just an act of cultural conservation but a
commitment to maintaining the beauty and diversity of our shared human
heritage. It is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture the unique
cultures that make our world so wonderfully varied and vibrant.
SECTION-II
Read the following passage carefully
and answer the question at the end of it in not more than sixty (60) words
each. Please answer in your own words.
A careful analysis of the
teacher-student relationship at any level, inside or outside the school,
reveals its fundamentally narrative character. This relationship involves a
narrating Subject (the teacher) and patient, listening objects (the students). The
contents, whether values or empirical dimensions of reality, tend in the
process of being narrated to become lifeless and petrified. Education is
suffering from narration sickness.
The teacher talks about reality as if
it were motionless, static, compartmentalized, and predictable. Or else he
expounds on a topic completely alien to the existential experience of the
students. His task is to “fill” the students with the contents of his
narration— contents which are detached from reality, disconnected from the
totality that engendered them and could give them significance. Words are
emptied of their concreteness and become a hollow, alienated, and alienating
verbosity.
The outstanding characteristic of
this narrative education, then, is the sonority of words, not their
transforming power. “Four times four is sixteen; the capital of Parà is
Belém.” The student records, memorizes, and repeats these phrases without
perceiving what four times four really means, or realizing the true
significance of “capital” in the affirmation “the capital of
Parà is Belém,” that is, what Belém means for Parà and what Parà means for
Brazil.
Narration (with the teacher as
narrator) leads the students to memorize mechanically the narrated content.
Worse yet, it turns them into “containers,” into
“receptacles” to be “filled” by the teacher. The more
completely she fills the receptacles, the better a teacher she is. The more
meekly the receptacles permit themselves to be filled, the better students they
are.
Education thus becomes an act of
depositing, in which the students are the depositories and the teacher is the
depositor. Instead of communicating, the teacher issues communiqués and makes
deposits which the students patiently receive, memorize, and repeat. This is
the “banking” concept of education, in which the scope of action
allowed to the students extends only as far as receiving, filing, and storing
the deposits. They do, it is true, have the opportunity to become collectors or
cataloguers of the things they store. But in the last analysis, it is the
people themselves who are filed away through the lack of creativity,
transformation, and knowledge in this (at best) misguided system. For apart
from inquiry, apart from the praxis, individuals cannot be truly human.
Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the
restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the
world, with the world, and with each other.
In the banking concept of education,
knowledge is a gift bestowed by those who consider themselves knowledgeable
upon those whom they consider to know nothing. Projecting an absolute ignorance
onto others, a characteristic of the ideology of oppression, negates education
and knowledge as processes of inquiry. The teacher presents himself to his
students as their necessary opposite; by considering their ignorance absolute,
he- justifies his own existence. The students, alienated like the slave in the
Hegelian dialectic, accept their ignorance as justifying the teachers
existence—but, unlike the slave, they never discover that they educate the
teacher.
The raison d’être of libertarian
education, on the other hand, lies in its drive towards reconciliation.
Education must begin with the solution of the teacher-student contradiction, by
reconciling the poles of the contradiction so that both are simultaneously
teachers and students.
This solution is not (nor can it be)
found in the banking concept. On the contrary, banking education maintains and
even stimulates the contradiction through the proposing attitudes and
practices, which mirror oppressive society as a whole.
It is not surprising that the banking
concept of education regards men as adaptable, manageable beings. The more
students work at storing the deposits entrusted to them, the less they develop
the critical consciousness which would result from their intervention in the
world as transformers of that world. The more completely they accept the
passive role imposed on them, the more they tend simply to adapt to the world
as it is and to the fragmented view of reality deposited in them.
The capability of banking education
to minimize or annul the students’ creative power and to stimulate their
credulity serves the interests of the oppressors, who care neither to have the
world revealed nor to see it transformed. The oppressors use their
“humanitarianism” to preserve a profitable situation. Thus they react
almost instinctively against any experiment in education which stimulates
critical faculties and is not content with a partial view of reality but always
seeks out the ties which link one point to another and one problem to another.
Indeed, the interests of the
oppressors lie in “changing the consciousness of the oppressed, not the
situation which oppresses them”; for the more the oppressed can be led to
adapt to that situation; the more easily they can be dominated. To achieve this
end, the oppressors use the banking concept of education in conjunction with a
paternalistic social action apparatus, within which the oppressed receive the
euphemistic title of “welfare recipients.” They are treated as
individual cases, as marginal persons who deviate from the general
configuration of a “good, organized, and just” society. The oppressed
are regarded as the pathology of the healthy society, which must therefore
adjust these “incompetent and lazy” folk to its own patterns by
changing their mentality. These marginals need to be “integrated,”
“incorporated” into the healthy society that they have
“forsaken.”
The truth is, however, that the
oppressed are not “marginals,” are not people living
“outside” society. They have always been “inside”—inside
the structure which made them “beings for others.” The solution is
not to “integrate” them into the structure of oppression, but to
transform that structure so that they can become “beings for
themselves.” Such transformation, of course, would undermine the
oppressors purposes; hence their utilization of the banking concept of
education to avoid the threat of student conscientizaça᷇o.
Liberating education consists in acts
of cognition, not transferrals of information. It is a learning situation in
which the cognizable object (far from being the end of the cognitive act)
intermediates the cognitive actors—teacher on the one hand and students on the
other. Accordingly, the practice of problem-posing education entails at the
outset that the teacher-student contradiction to be resolved. Dialogical
relations— indispensable to the capacity of actors to cooperate in perceiving
the same cognizable object—are otherwise impossible.
Indeed, problem-posing education,
which breaks with the vertical patterns characteristic of banking education,
can fulfill its function as the practice of freedom only if it can overcome the
above contradiction. Through dialogue, the teacher-of-the- students and the
students-of-the-teacher cease to exist and a new term emerges: teacher student
with students-teachers. The teacher is no longer merely the-one-who- teaches,
but one who is himself taught in dialogue with the students, who in turn while
being taught also teach. They become jointly responsible for a process in which
all grow. In this process, arguments based on “authority” are no
longer valid; in order to function, authority must be on the side of freedom,
not against it. Here, no one teaches another, nor is anyone self-taught. People
teach each other, mediated by the world, by the cognizable objects which in
banking education are “owned” by the teacher.
1. What is narration sickness?
Ans.
Narration sickness refers to a problem in education
where the teacher-student relationship becomes overly one-sided and passive. It
occurs when the teacher primarily acts as a narrator, delivering information to
passive students who simply receive, memorize, and repeat the content without
truly understanding or engaging with it. This approach leads to the
memorization of facts without meaningful comprehension or critical thinking.
2. How does education become an act
of depositing?
Ans.
Education becomes an act of depositing when it follows
the “banking” concept of education, as described in the passage. In
this approach, the teacher assumes the role of the depositor, and the students
are seen as receptacles or containers. The teacher imparts knowledge to the
students, who passively receive, memorize, and repeat this information. The
students’ role is limited to accepting the deposits made by the teacher. This
approach does not encourage critical thinking, inquiry, or active engagement
with the material; instead, it treats education as a passive process of
accumulating knowledge rather than a dynamic process of understanding and
transformation.
3. In what ways does banking
education serve the interest of the oppressed?
Ans.
Banking education serves the
interests of the oppressed in several ways:
1)
Minimizing Critical Consciousness:
Banking education discourages critical thinking and inquiry among the
oppressed. It emphasizes memorization and passive acceptance of information,
preventing students from questioning the existing social structures and power
dynamics that oppress them.
2)
Preserving the Status Quo: By promoting a fragmented and
static view of reality, banking education maintains the existing social order
and power imbalances. It does not encourage students to challenge or transform
the oppressive structures in society.
3)
Conformity and Adaptation: Banking education encourages
students to adapt to the world as it is, rather than empowering them to change
it. This conformity aligns with the interests of the oppressors, as it ensures
that the oppressed do not disrupt the established social hierarchy.
4)
Individualization: Banking education treats the
oppressed as individual cases or “marginals” who need to be
integrated into the existing system. This individualization diverts attention
from the collective struggle for social change and reinforces the idea that the
oppressed are the problem rather than the oppressive system.
5)
Utilization of Welfare Narratives:
Banking education aligns with paternalistic social action programs that label
the oppressed as “welfare recipients.” This narrative portrays the
oppressed as individuals who need to be adjusted and integrated into the
existing society rather than as agents of social transformation.
In essence, banking education serves the interests of the oppressors by
maintaining the status quo, discouraging critical consciousness, and
perpetuating the existing power dynamics, all of which prevent the oppressed
from challenging and changing the oppressive structures that affect their
lives.
4. Enumerate the problem-posing
education and solutions to it.
Ans.
Problem-posing education is
an alternative educational approach that stands in contrast to the banking
concept of education described in the passage. In problem-posing education, the
focus is on active engagement, critical thinking, and dialogue. Here are some key features
of problem-posing education and solutions it offers:
Problem-Posing
Education:
1)
Dialogue and Cooperation: It fosters dialogical
relationships between teachers and students, where both are active participants
in the learning process.
2)
Critical Thinking: It encourages critical
thinking, inquiry, and active engagement with the subject matter.
3)
Shared Responsibility: It shifts the responsibility
for learning from the teacher alone to a collaborative effort where both
teachers and students are responsible for their growth.
4)
Active Participation: It recognizes that students
are not passive receptacles but active participants in the learning process.
Solutions
Offered by Problem-Posing Education:
1)
Overcoming Passivity: Problem-posing education
helps students overcome passivity by actively engaging with the subject matter,
asking questions, and seeking solutions.
2)
Empowering Students: It empowers students to
become critical thinkers who can analyze and challenge the status quo, rather
than passively accepting information.
3)
Enhancing Critical Consciousness:
Problem-posing education enhances critical consciousness by encouraging
students to question societal norms and power structures, leading to a
potential for social change.
4)
Promoting Collaboration: It fosters a collaborative
learning environment where both teachers and students learn from each other,
creating a more equal and dynamic educational relationship.
5)
Encouraging Transformation: Problem-posing education
encourages individuals to see education as a tool for personal and societal
transformation rather than a mere accumulation of facts.
6)
Breaking the Teacher-Student Contradiction: It
breaks down the traditional teacher-student contradiction by promoting dialogue
and shared responsibility, leading to a more equitable educational experience.
Overall,
problem-posing education offers a more dynamic and liberating approach to
learning that empowers students to become critical thinkers and agents of
change, rather than passive recipients of information.
5. Give the passage a suitable title
and justify it.
Ans.
Title- “Challenging the Banking Concept of
Education: Towards Liberating Pedagogy”
Justification:
The
chosen title, “Challenging the Banking Concept of Education: Towards Liberating Pedagogy,” accurately reflects the central
theme and message of the passage. The passage primarily discusses the
limitations and negative consequences of the traditional “banking”
concept of education, where teachers deposit knowledge into passive students.
It also introduces an alternative pedagogical approach known as problem-posing
education, which emphasizes critical thinking, dialogue, and active engagement.
The title highlights the contrast between these two educational approaches and
signifies the passage’s focus on challenging the traditional model to achieve a
more liberating and empowering form of education.
SECTION-III
Write
a summary to the passage in 150 words and give a title to the summary:
In last week’s Tribune, there was an
interesting letter from Mr. J. Stewart Cook, in which he suggested that the
best way of avoiding the danger of a ‘scientific hierarchy’ would be to see to
it that every member of the general public was, as far as possible,
scientifically educated. At the same time, scientists should be brought out of
their isolation and encouraged to take a greater part in politics and
administration.
As a general statement, I think most
of us would agree with this, but I notice that, as usual, Mr. Cookdoes not
define science, and merely implies in passing that it means certain exact
sciences whose experiments can be made under laboratory conditions. Thus, adult
education tends ‘to neglect scientific studies in favour of literary, economic
and social subjects’, economics and sociology not being regarded as branches of
science. Apparently, this point is of great importance. For the word science is
at present used in at least two meanings, and the whole question of scientific
education is obscured by the current tendency to dodge from one meaning to the
other.
Science is generally taken as meaning
either (a) the exact sciences, such as chemistry, physics, etc., or (b) a
method of thought which obtains verifiable results by reasoning logically from
observed fact.
If you ask any scientist, or indeed
almost any educated person, ‘What is science?’ you are likely to get an answer
approximating to (b). In everyday life, however, both in speaking and in
writing, when people say ‘science’ they mean (a). Science means something that
happens in a laboratory: the very word calls up a picture of graphs,
test-tubes, balances, Bunsen burners, microscopes. A biologist, and astronomer,
perhaps a psychologist or a mathematician is described as a ‘man of science’:
no one would think of applying this term to a statesman, a poet, a journalist
or even a philosopher.
This confusion of meaning, which is
partly deliberate, has in it a great danger. Implied in the demand for more
scientific education is the claim that if one has been scientifically trained
one’s approach to all subjects will be more intelligent than if one had had no
such training. A scientist’s political opinions, it is assumed, his opinions on
sociological questions, on morals, on philosophy, perhaps even on the arts,
will be more valuable than those of a layman. The world, in other words, would
be a better place if the scientists were in control of it. But a ‘scientist’,
as we have just seen, means in practice a specialist in one of the exact
sciences. It follows that a chemist or a physicist, as such, is politically
more intelligent than a poet or a lawyer, as such. And, in fact, there are
already millions of people who do believe this. But is it really true that a
‘scientist’, in this narrower sense, is any likelier than other people to
approach non-scientific problems in an objective way? There is not much reason
for thinking so. Take one simple test — the ability to withstand nationalism.
It is often loosely said that ‘Science is international’, but in practice the
scientific workers of all countries line up behind their own governments with
fewer scruples than are felt by the writers and the artists. The German
scientific community, as a whole, made no resistance to Hitler.
But does all this mean that the
general public should not be more scientifically educated? On the contrary! All
it means is that scientific education for the masses will do little good, and
probably a lot of harm, if it simply boils down to more physics, more
chemistry, more biology, etc., to the detriment of literature and history. Its
probable effect on the average human being would be to narrow the range of his
thoughts and make him more than ever contemptuous of such knowledge as he did
not possess: and his political reactions would probably be somewhat less
intelligent than those of an illiterate peasant who retained a few historical
memories and a fairly sound aesthetic sense.
Clearly, scientific education ought
to mean the implanting of a rational, sceptical, experimental habit of mind. It
ought to mean acquiring a method — a method that can be used on any problem
that one meets — and not simply piling up a lot of facts. For if science is
simply a method or an attitude, so that anyone whose thought-processes are
sufficiently rational can in some sense be described as a scientist.
Ans.
Title: The Ambiguity of Scientific Education
In this passage, the author responds to Mr. J. Stewart Cook’s suggestion that
scientific education for the general public can prevent the emergence of a
‘scientific hierarchy’ and promote scientists’ involvement in politics and
administration. The author highlights a crucial ambiguity in the term
‘science,’ which is often used to refer either to exact sciences (like
chemistry and physics) or a method of thought based on logical reasoning from
observed facts.
The author argues that while
scientific education is valuable, it should not exclusively
focus on the exact sciences to the detriment of literature, history, and other
subjects. Instead, it should instill a rational, skeptical, and experimental
mindset, enabling individuals to approach various problems with critical
thinking. Mere accumulation of scientific facts without developing a broader
method of inquiry may narrow one’s thinking and lead to contempt for other
forms of knowledge.
The passage questions the assumption
that scientists, in the narrow sense of the term,
are inherently more politically intelligent or objective in approaching
non-scientific issues. It emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education
that fosters a rational and open-minded approach to all subjects, rather than
specialization in the exact sciences alone.