Multiple choice

What is the relation between old fashioned materialism and modern physics?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage:

The view of the "behaviourists" is that nothing can be known except by external observation. They deny altogether that there is a separate source of knowledge called "introspection", by which we can know things about ourselves which we could never observe in others. Many psychologists, especially those of the behaviorist school, tend to adopt what is essentially a materialistic position, as a matter of method if not of metaphysics.

They make psychology increasingly dependent on physiology and external observation, and tend to think of matter as something much more solid and indubitable than mind. Meanwhile the avant-garde physicists, especially Einstein and other exponents of the theory of relativity, have been making "matter" less and less material. Their world consists of "events", from which "matter" is derived by a logical construction. I think that what has permanent value in the outlook of the behaviorists is the feeling that physics is the most fundamental science at present in existence. But this position cannot be called materialistic, if, as seems to be the case, physics does not assume the existence of matter.

  1. Modern physics patronises old fashioned materialism.

  2. Old fashioned materialism advocates modern physics.

  3. Old fashioned materialism is completely relinquished by modern physics.

  4. Old fashioned materialism receives little support from modern physics.

  5. Recent scholars advocate replacing physics with materialism.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option (1): From the second paragraph, it is clear that modern physics does not support materialism. Option (2): It is contrary to the facts mentioned in the passage. Option (3): It is an extreme statement; ‘completely’ makes it incorrect. Option (4): This can be derived from: “But this position cannot be called materialistic, if, as seems to be the case, physics does not assume the existence of matter.” Option (5): Not referred to in the passage.

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