Question 4

The social sciences may someday add to the world's knowledge.

The author implies that the social sciences offer the promise of progress in knowledge, suggesting that they have the potential to contribute meaningfully in the future.

A) are valued for their techniques

While the extract mentions a "hurried world, enamored of technique," it does not specifically state that the social sciences are valued solely for their techniques. Thus, this option misrepresents the author's intent regarding the social sciences.

B) can make no contribution to progress

This option contradicts the implication in the extract, which suggests that the social sciences do offer some promise of progress, albeit not to the same extent as the sciences. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

C) cannot deal with long-term issues

The extract does not imply that social sciences are incapable of addressing long-term issues. Instead, it emphasizes their potential to contribute to progress, indicating that they may address significant questions, including those of long-term relevance.

D) may someday add to the world's knowledge

This option accurately reflects the author's implication that the social sciences hold the potential for future contributions to knowledge, distinguishing them from the humanities, which do not offer the same promise of progress.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, emphasizes the potential future contributions of the social sciences, aligning with the author's perspective on the importance of these disciplines in exploring meaningful questions. The other options either misinterpret or contradict the extract, failing to capture the nuanced view presented regarding the role of social sciences in knowledge development.