---
title: "The Scientific Attitude: elements for society"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:scientific-attitude-elements-society"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/scientific-attitude-elements-society
site: BCT Engineering
---

# The Scientific Attitude: elements for society

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2073 Chaitra, 5 marks; 2078 Kartik, 5 marks; 2078 Bhadra, 5 marks (asked 3 times)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/scientific-attitude-elements-society
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

What elements of science can the ordinary citizen use in order to help his society develop? (The Scientific Attitude)

## Short answer

Citizens can adopt scientific habits: curiosity, careful observation, evidence-based reasoning, open-mindedness, honesty, patience, and cooperation. These improve farming, health, and decision-making, combat superstition, and help plan resources wisely, advancing a more rational, prosperous, and tolerant society.

## Answer

An ordinary citizen need not be a scientist to use the scientific attitude. The elements of science that can help a society to develop are the habits of thought and method that scientists use, together with the practical use of scientific knowledge.

#### Elements a citizen can use
1. **Curiosity.** Asking "why" and "how" about things around us leads to new ideas and solutions to local problems.
2. **Careful observation.** Looking at facts accurately, without prejudice, avoids false beliefs.
3. **Reasoning and evidence.** Testing ideas against facts instead of accepting rumours, superstition or authority blindly.
4. **Open-mindedness.** Willingness to change one's opinion when better evidence appears, and to respect others' views.
5. **Honesty and objectivity.** Reporting results truthfully, even if they differ from what we want.
6. **Patience and perseverance.** Solving problems step by step, learning from failure.
7. **Co-operation.** Sharing knowledge and working together.

#### How these help society
- Farmers can test better seeds or methods and improve harvests.
- Health knowledge reduces disease and false cures.
- Citizens who weigh evidence are less easily misled by superstition and propaganda.
- Technical knowledge can be applied in agriculture, building, energy and communication.
- A society of rational, honest people can plan and use resources wisely.

Thus the scientific attitude is available to everyone, and when many citizens adopt it, the society grows in knowledge, prosperity and tolerance.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does an ordinary citizen need in order to use the scientific attitude?
   A. A degree in science
   B. A laboratory
   C. The habits of thought and method that scientists use, not being a scientist
   D. Government permission
   Answer: C. The attitude is available to everyone. (Key point: Scientific attitude)

2. What does 'reasoning and evidence' mean in practice?
   A. Testing ideas against facts instead of accepting rumours or superstition blindly
   B. Believing authority without question
   C. Following tradition
   D. Trusting first impressions
   Answer: A. It protects people from superstition and propaganda. (Key point: Reasoning and evidence)

3. What is open-mindedness?
   A. Never changing one's opinion
   B. Accepting every idea
   C. Willingness to change one's opinion when better evidence appears
   D. Ignoring others' views
   Answer: C. It also includes respecting others' views. (Key point: Open-mindedness)

4. How can farmers use the scientific attitude?
   A. By testing better seeds or methods to improve harvests
   B. By following old practice only
   C. By leaving land unused
   D. By avoiding new information
   Answer: A. Observation and testing improve yields. (Key point: Benefit)

## Related in Communication English

- [Two ways science can help society develop](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Atwo-ways-science-help-society) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Importance of science (The Scientific Attitude)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aimportance-of-science-scientific-attitude) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Scientific attitude and qualities of a scientist](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ascientific-attitude-qualities-scientist) — Communication English, chapter 2