Science and Public Understanding Quiz

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What is necessary to begin according to the text?

Gathering evidence
Ignoring the scientific method
Knowing the answer beforehand
Being uncertain (correct)

What is emphasized as a very important way to enforce logical consistency among known facts?

Relying solely on trials
Judging evidence selectively
Recording results disinterestedly
Connecting different ideas together (correct)

What is not the source of information?

Logical consistency
Connected ideas
Trials
Authority (correct)

What is a key aspect of judging evidence as per the text?

Maintaining objectivity by considering all evidence (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to record results in a disinterested way according to the text?

Ignoring the outcome of the work done (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a valuable way to connect known information in the text?

Put together ideas for logical consistency (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author believe about the general public's knowledge of science?

It is woefully inadequate. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do adults typically find exciting in newspapers?

Advanced scientific concepts they cannot understand. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental conservation law of physics is mentioned in the text?

Conservation of charge and parity (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view children's understanding of science compared to adults?

Children have a limited understanding like adults. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about people's curiosity towards scientific terms like 'CP'?

People are indifferent to terms like 'CP'. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the author feel about people's ignorance of science?

People can remain ignorant without it bothering them. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern expressed by the author regarding the relationship between scientific and theological views?

Nobody is discussing the inconsistencies between scientific and theological views. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the religious point of view considered unscientific?

Because religious views do not leave room for uncertainty or doubt. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe a scientist's certainty about their statements?

Statements made by scientists are always approximate and uncertain. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is crucial for progress and learning?

Doubt and uncertainty in exploring ideas. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe the transformation of religious views when posed with questions of likelihood?

Religious views become less certain when probability is introduced. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author emphasize discussing questions within uncertainties?

To allow room for doubt and facilitate progress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author find pitiful about the environment we live in?

The prevalence of unscientific practices like astrology and faith healing (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author question the existence of astrologers?

Due to the publication of astrological results in newspapers despite scientific advancements (A) Signup and view all the answers

What example does the author use to illustrate the unscientific environment?

The faith-healing practices prevalent worldwide (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about Mars and Venus regarding dental visits?

That specific planetary alignments can impact dental health (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author mention 'Worlds in Collision' and 'Vininkowski'?

To discuss popular pseudoscientific literature and authors (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument about the environment surrounding us?

It is saturated with unscientific beliefs and practices (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on certainty?

Certainty is a common misconception that people search for but don't truly have. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author believe doubt is important for the development of sciences?

Doubt encourages questioning and challenges established solutions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Galileo a symbol of?

Scientific inquiry and struggle against established authorities (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view recantation?

Recantation is a foolishness forced by authorities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, why do people feel terrified when they do not have certainty?

Because uncertainty challenges their beliefs and actions (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author perceive incomplete knowledge in people's actions?

Incomplete knowledge forms the basis of most human actions. (B) Signup and view all the answers