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GATE | GATE-CS-2014-(Set-3) | Question 7

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By the beginning of the 20th century, several hypotheses were being proposed, suggesting a paradigm shift in our understanding of the universe. However, the clinching evidence was provided by experimental measurements of the position of a star which was directly behind our sun. Which of the following inference(s) may be drawn from the above passage?

(i) Our understanding of the universe changes
    based on the positions of stars
(ii) Paradigm shifts usually occur at the
     beginning of centuries
(iii) Stars are important objects in the
      universe
(iv) Experimental evidence was important in
     confirming this paradigm shift 

(A) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(B) (iii) only
(C) (i) and (iv)
(D) (iv) only


Answer: (D)

Explanation: Paradigm shift means a fundamental change in approach to something or change in the underlying assumptions in relation to something. This change, as per the question, was verified with the experimental measurements of the position of a star that was behind the sun.

(i) is incorrect as it generalizes the experimental evidence of the star and assumes it to be always true, which may not be the case every time.

(ii) is also incorrect. If there was a paradigm shift at the beginning of the 20th century, it does not necessarily means that all paradigm shifts usually occur at the beginning of centuries.

(iii) is incorrect as it again generalizes an experimental statement. Stars proved to be important in the given case does not necessarily imply that they would be important every time.

(iv) is correct as it is clearly understood from the given case conditions that this experimental measurements provided a clinching (solid/concrete) evidence to our understanding of the universe.

 

So, D is the correct choice as only (iv) is the correct statement.

 

Please comment below if you find anything wrong in the above post.

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Last Updated : 28 Jun, 2021
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