In "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival," Vladimir Keilis-Borok argues that scientific research is a crucial factor in the survival and well-being of humanity. He cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made, as well as the importance of scientific research in solving problems and creating new solutions to pressing issues.
Keilis-Borok also discusses the role of scientific research in the Cold War and the efforts of scientists from different countries to come to an agreement on banning nuclear weapon tests. Throughout the essay, he emphasizes the idea that science offers hope for a better future for all people and is a key factor in the survival and well-being of humanity.
Understanding the Text
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
Answer: According to Keilis-Borok, scientists get freedom, camaraderie, independence, and the feeling of uncovering nature's mysteries instead of big money.
b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
Answer: The problem that the nuclear powers faced was how to detect a violation of an agreement to stop testing new nuclear weapons.
c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge have a direct application?
Answer: Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge had a direct application in the area of detecting underground nuclear explosions through the analysis of seismic waves.
d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?
Answer: The important decision that the politicians took before the Geneva Summit was to sign an agreement to stop testing new nuclear weapons.
e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?
Answer: The natural disasters mentioned by the author include earthquakes, and the man-made disaster mentioned is the threat of mutually assured destruction through the use of nuclear weapons.
Reference to the Context
a. The professional addressed as ‘you’ in the sentence “If you are clever, why are you so poor?” refers to a…
(i. lawyer ii. doctor iii. scientist iv. businessman) Justify your choice.
Answer: iii. scientist
Justification: It is likely that the professional addressed as "you" in the sentence "If you are clever, why are you so poor?" refers to a scientist. This is because the sentence implies that the person addressed is intelligent and skilled, but is not financially successful, which is a common stereotype about scientists. Scientists are often seen as being highly intelligent and knowledgeable, but not necessarily successful in terms of financial wealth. This is in contrast to professions such as lawyers, doctors, and businessmen, which are often associated with higher levels of financial success. Therefore, it is likely that the person being addressed in the sentence is a scientist.
b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva.” What does it express?
Answer: The phrase "I found myself in Geneva" suggests that the writer, Vladimir Keilis-Borok, ended up in the city of Geneva unexpectedly or without consciously planning to go there. It could imply that he was summoned or invited to go to Geneva for a specific purpose, and that he did not have control over the decision to go there. The phrase "I found myself" suggests that the writer did not actively seek out or choose to go to Geneva, but rather ended up there through circumstances beyond his control.
c (i). Is the statement "Money is more powerful than intellectual resources" true? Discuss.
Answer: This statement is not necessarily true. While money can certainly be a powerful resource and can provide access to many opportunities, it is not the only or the most important resource that individuals and societies have at their disposal. Intellectual resources, such as knowledge, skills, and creativity, can also be incredibly powerful and can be used to achieve a wide range of goals. In many cases, intellectual resources can be more valuable than money, as they can be used to generate new ideas, solve problems, and create value in a variety of ways.
c (ii). Is the statement "Intellectual resources help the survival of the mankind" true? Discuss.
Answer: This statement is likely to be true. Intellectual resources, such as knowledge, skills, and creativity, have played a critical role in the survival and advancement of humankind throughout history. By using their intellectual resources, individuals and societies have been able to develop new technologies, discover new sources of food, and create new systems of governance. These intellectual resources have allowed humankind to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome a wide range of natural and man-made disasters.
c (iii). Is the statement "Basic research is a way of stalling disasters" true? Discuss.
Answer: This statement is not necessarily true. While basic research can certainly contribute to a better understanding of the world and help to identify potential risks and challenges, it is not primarily a way of "stalling" disasters. Basic research is focused on understanding fundamental principles and phenomena. While it can contribute to the development of new technologies that mitigate disasters, that is not its primary purpose.
d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is humankind’s survival?
Answer: Keilis-Borok makes this argument by highlighting the various ways in which scientific research has contributed to the advancement and survival of humankind throughout history. He cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made, and the use of scientific research to create new solutions to pressing issues.
He also argues that scientific research is important because it fosters cooperation and collaboration between individuals and societies. He cites the example of scientists and engineers from different cultural backgrounds working together to solve the problem of detecting underground nuclear explosions, which had significant implications for the survival of mankind.
e. What can be the purpose of the essayist using quotations in the essay?
Answer: There are several possible purposes for using quotations in the essay:
- To support arguments: Providing additional evidence to strengthen his case.
- To add credibility: Quotations from respected sources establish the essayist's expertise and authority.
- To provide different perspectives: Adding diversity to the essay and presenting various viewpoints.
- To add rhetorical impact: Including powerful or memorable phrases that help to engage the reader's attention.
- To illustrate a point: Providing concrete examples of a concept being discussed.
f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.
Answer: The writer argues that scientists are some of the most practical people in the world by highlighting how they approach and solve problems, and by emphasizing the practical applications of scientific research.
To support this, he cites the example of scientists from different cultural backgrounds coming together to solve the problem of detecting underground nuclear explosions. They were able to use their theoretical knowledge to develop a practical solution to a real-world problem with significant implications for human survival.
Additionally, the writer argues that scientific research is practical because it leads to the development of new technologies and materials that improve transportation, communication, and energy production, ultimately improving the quality of life globally.
In Reference to the Context (Deeper Analysis)
1. "Everyone lives in the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons." Explain this statement.
Answer: This statement refers to the fact that during the height of the Cold War, every person on Earth lived under the threat of being killed in a nuclear attack. During this time, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom were all in possession of nuclear weapons and were capable of launching a nuclear attack on each other. This threat of "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD) meant that if one side launched a nuclear attack, the other side would retaliate, resulting in the destruction of both sides.
This fear was a real and constant concern, fueled by the ongoing development and testing of new, more powerful nuclear weapons by the superpowers. Despite efforts to reduce tensions, the fear of nuclear annihilation remained a constant presence in the minds of people around the world.
2. The essayist says ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us.’ Explain it.
Answer: The essayist makes this argument by highlighting the various ways in which scientific research has contributed to the advancement and survival of humankind throughout history. He cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome natural and man-made challenges.
Overall, this statement suggests that as long as scientific research continues, there is hope for humanity to overcome challenges and improve the quality of life for all people. The essayist believes that scientific research is a crucial factor in the survival and well-being of humanity and that it offers the ultimate hope for a better future.
Essay Writing Task
View Essay: Is Science a Blessing or a Curse?
Is science a blessing or a curse?
Science is a complex and multifaceted field that has had a profound impact on humanity. While it has undoubtedly brought many blessings and benefits to society, it has also been the source of some significant challenges and curses. In this essay, we will explore both the blessings and curses of science, considering the ways in which it has impacted humanity throughout history.
On the one hand, science has brought many blessings to humanity. From the development of new technologies and systems that have improved transportation, communication, and energy production, to medical advances that have saved countless lives, science has played a vital role in improving the quality of life for people around the world. Science has also helped us to understand the world around us and to solve some of the mysteries of the universe.
"While science has given us the tools to heal and build, it has also handed us the capacity to destroy."
However, science has also been the source of some significant curses. For example, the development of nuclear weapons has brought with it the threat of global destruction and the fear of nuclear annihilation. The pursuit of scientific knowledge has also led to ethical dilemmas, such as the use of human subjects in scientific experiments or the creation of genetically modified organisms. Additionally, the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancement has often led to social and economic disruption, as new technologies have disrupted traditional industries and ways of life.
Overall, it is clear that science is both a blessing and a curse. While it has brought many benefits and blessings to humanity, it has also been the source of significant challenges. It is important to recognize the complexity of science and to approach it with a sense of balance and caution, considering both its extraordinary potential to save lives and its terrifying capacity to end them.
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