--- title: "Interpret: choices in an age of science" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 1 key: "semester_5/communication_english:interpret-history-of-civilization-science" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-history-of-civilization-science site: BCT Engineering --- # Interpret: choices in an age of science Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading - Asked in: 2078 Bhadra, 5 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-history-of-civilization-science - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1 ## Question Read the following text carefully and interpret it so as to make the meaning clear: The history of civilization shows how man has always to choose between making the right and wrong use of discoveries of science. This has never been truer than in our own age. In a brief period, amazing discoveries have been made and applied to practical purposes. It has become a platitude to say - we are living in an age of revolution. ## Short answer Throughout history, humanity has had to choose between right and wrong uses of scientific discoveries, a choice now more urgent due to rapid advances. Science itself is neutral; moral responsibility rests with people to use it for welfare, not destruction. ## Answer The writer says that throughout history humanity has had to decide whether to use scientific discoveries for good or for harm, and this choice is more urgent today than ever. #### Explanation - **A permanent choice.** Every important discovery can be used in two ways. Fire can cook food or burn a city; atomic energy can produce power or destroy cities. Science gives the means, but human beings decide the use. - **Our own age.** The choice is more serious now because discoveries are more powerful and more numerous. - **Rapid progress.** In a short time, wonderful discoveries have been made and quickly applied to practical purposes such as medicine, transport, communication and industry. - **A platitude.** To say "we are living in an age of revolution" has become a platitude, a commonplace remark repeated so often that it has lost force. The writer suggests that people say it without thinking about its real meaning, which is the responsibility that comes with such change. #### Message Science itself is neutral. The moral responsibility of using it for human welfare rather than destruction rests with human beings. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What choice does the writer say humanity has always faced? A. Whether to accept or reject science B. Whether to choose between art and science C. Whether to stop making discoveries D. Whether to use scientific discoveries rightly or wrongly Answer: D. Every discovery can be used for good or harm and humans decide. (Key point: Permanent choice) 2. Why is the choice more serious in our age? A. People are less educated B. Discoveries are more powerful and numerous and are quickly applied C. Science has stopped progressing D. Governments have banned discoveries Answer: B. In a brief period amazing discoveries were made and applied to practical purposes. (Key point: Our own age) 3. What is a 'platitude'? A. A new and original idea B. A scientific law C. A solemn warning D. A commonplace remark repeated so often that it loses force Answer: D. Saying we live in an age of revolution is a platitude: said without thinking about its meaning. 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