Reading Comprehension Passage 7 - GRE Verbal Reasoning

Direction

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the illustrious philosopher-statesman of India, was one of the greatest sons of our motherland. He cautioned the world against the domination of science in society. It is erroneous to claim that scientific knowledge would bring with it, perpetual progress and a steady improvement in human relations. The recent period of great scientific achievements has also increased human misery: two world wars, concentration camps, atomic destruction cold war and deadly wars in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and many other places in the world. Growth in human wisdom has not been commensurate with the increase in scientific knowledge and power. The fear of universal destruction hangs over the world. There is a feeling of disenchantment, anxiety and even despair. Science has failed to liberate man from the tyranny of his own nature, Mankind is passing through a critical period and an education of the human spirit has become essential. In order to remake society, man has to remake himself. If humanity is to survive, man must integrate his knowledge with a social responsibility.

Solution

The passage explains the philosophy to which S. Radhakrishnan had devoted his life. We learn from the facts cited in the passage that he was against the prevalence of a science centered society and wanted that it should also bring along the developments in human relations. The answer that best suits this criterion is provided to us in option A, which is hence the correct answer.

Solution

As per the philosophy that S. Radhakrishnan followed, the advancements in science have resulted in more destruction than betterment for human lives. He felt that the destructions caused in the past through the instances stated in the passage are indicators of impending disasters in world history and have led to a sense of fear, anxiety and disenchantment among them. The answer option that provides us with this answer is option C, which is thus, the correct answer.

Solution

The passage concerns itself with the philosophies of S. Radhakrishnan, which were concerned with improvement of human living through imparting knowledge to the human spirit as such, so that the critical times of today can be managed by much evolved minds of the people. The correct answer thus, is option D and all the rest options are incorrect, as they do not suit the criterion set by the philosophies of S. Radhakrishnan.

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