In the early nineteenth century, theories of social evolution were inspired less by Biology than by the conviction of social scientists that there was a growing improvement in social institutions. Progress was taken for granted and social scientists attempted to discover its laws and phases.
Which one of the following inferences may be drawn with the greatest accuracy from the above passage?
Social scientists:
Options:
(A) did not question that progress was a fact.
(B) did not approve of Biology.
(C) framed the laws of progress.
(D) emphasized Biology over Social Sciences.
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Dedicated Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2012 Q.65)**
**1. Problem Statement & Parameters**:
- **Module**: Aerospace Structures (2 Mark, MCQ)
- **Topic**: Aerospace Materials & Fatigue (Damage Tolerance & Non-Destructive Testing)
- **Organizing Institute**: IIT Delhi
- **Problem Statement**:
> In the early nineteenth century, theories of social evolution were inspired less by Biology than by the conviction of social scientists that there was a growing improvement in social institutions. Progress was taken for granted and social scientists attempted to discover its laws and phases. Which one of the following inferences may be drawn with the greatest accuracy from the above passage? Social scientists:
**2. Mathematical Derivation & Physical Analysis**:
1. **Reading Comprehension & Logical Deduction**:
The passage states: *"Progress was taken for granted and social scientists attempted to discover its laws and phases."*
2. **Evaluation of Inferences**:
- To take something 'for granted' means to accept it without questioning or doubting its reality.
- Therefore, social scientists *"did not question that progress was a fact"* is the direct and most accurate inference.
3. **Conclusion**:
Matches **Option (A)**.
**3. Comprehensive Options Analysis**:
- **(A)** *"did not question that progress was a fact."*: ✅ **CORRECT**.
- **(B)** *"did not approve of Biology."*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(C)** *"framed the laws of progress."*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(D)** *"emphasized Biology over Social Sciences."*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
**4. Official Answer Verification**:
- **Official Master Answer**: **A**
- **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2012 (IIT Delhi) master answer key with 100% precision.