Question 7

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

The author implies that the social sciences have the potential to contribute to progress in understanding, unlike the humanities, which focus on enduring questions without the promise of advancement. This suggests that there is hope for the social sciences to evolve and enhance our knowledge in the future.

A) Are valued for their techniques

While the social sciences may utilize various techniques, the extract emphasizes their promise of progress rather than their technical aspects. Therefore, this option does not align with the author's implication regarding the future contributions of the social sciences.

B) Can make no contribution to progress

This option directly contradicts the author's implication that social sciences may one day contribute to the world's knowledge. The extract does not suggest that they are without merit but rather that their contributions are not as immediate or clear as those of the sciences.

C) Cannot deal with long-term issues

The text does not indicate that social sciences are incapable of addressing long-term issues. Instead, it suggests that they may eventually offer insights and progress, which implies they have the capacity to engage with enduring topics over time.

D) May someday add to the world's knowledge

This option accurately reflects the author's view that the social sciences hold potential for future contributions to understanding and knowledge, contrasting with the humanities' focus on persistent questions without the expectation of progress.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, encapsulates the author's belief in the potential for the social sciences to contribute to knowledge in the future, distinguishing them from the humanities. All other options fail to align with this implication, as they either misinterpret the role of social sciences or negate their potential for future advancements.