The Two Cultures And The Scientific Revolution by C. P. Snow
- 1. In 'The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution,' C. P. Snow explores the philosophical and cultural divide between the sciences and the humanities in post-war society, arguing that this schism hinders societal progress and innovation. Snow, a physicist and novelist, articulates how this bifurcation manifests in the inability of scientists and literary intellectuals to communicate effectively, leading to mutual misunderstandings and a lack of collaboration. He posits that the scientific method, rooted in empirical evidence and logical reasoning, offers a foundation for addressing societal challenges, while the literary culture, steeped in moral philosophy and critical reflection, provides essential insights into the human condition. Doubtlessly, this disconnection not only perpetuates ignorance but also stifles creativity across disciplines, which could otherwise lead to breakthroughs beneficial to society as a whole. Snow calls for an urgent need for interdisciplinary dialogue and education, urging both cultures to bridge their gaps, foster mutual understanding, and collaborate for the common good, emphasizing that the future of humanity may depend on overcoming these cultural barriers.
What did Snow identify as the 'second culture'?
A) Industrialists and businessmen.
B) Political leaders.
C) Literary intellectuals.
D) The working class.
- 2. What scientific concept did Snow believe every educated person should understand, calling it the scientific equivalent of Shakespeare?
A) The Second Law of Thermodynamics.
B) The Structure of DNA.
C) Newton's Laws of Motion.
D) The Theory of Relativity.
- 3. What historical event did Snow use as a primary example of the scientific revolution's potential?
A) The Enlightenment.
B) The American Revolution.
C) The Renaissance.
D) The Industrial Revolution.
- 4. How did Snow characterize the attitude of literary intellectuals towards scientists?
A) As collaborative and supportive.
B) As overly admiring and envious.
C) As indifferent and uninterested.
D) As profoundly ignorant and dismissive.
- 5. What was the original format of Snow's 'The Two Cultures'?
A) A speech in the House of Lords.
B) A chapter in a sociology textbook.
C) A series of newspaper editorials.
D) The Rede Lecture at Cambridge University.
- 6. Which critic delivered a famous, scathing response to Snow's lecture?
A) George Orwell.
B) T. S. Eliot.
C) Bertrand Russell.
D) F. R. Leavis.
- 7. Beyond the original two, what 'third culture' did Snow later suggest was emerging?
A) Medical doctors.
B) Computer programmers.
C) Social scientists.
D) Artists and musicians.
- 8. Snow stated that a person who couldn't describe the Second Law of Thermodynamics was equivalent to what?
A) A scientist who had never read Shakespeare.
B) A historian who had never studied war.
C) A politician who had never voted.
D) A writer who had never used a pen.
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