According to Dr. McCarty's section 8 introduction, the perception of science changed following World War II due to the realization that science was not only an agent of progress but could also be an agent of the destruction of humanity.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement to evaluate is: According to Dr. McCarty's section 8 introduction, the perception of science changed following World War II due to the realization that science was not only an agent of progress but could also be an agent of the destruction of humanity.
Option 1: True. This option aligns with a common historical interpretation that World War II and the advent of nuclear technology spurred a shift in how science was viewed. The era highlighted both the immense benefits of scientific advancement and the grave risks, leading to a more nuanced or ambivalent perception of science as capable of causing human harm as well as enabling progress. If Dr. McCarty's introduction presents this dual potential as a turning point in postwar thought, this statement would be accurate.
Option 2: False. If one argues against this view, the counterclaims might be that the postwar period did not fundamentally alter the perception of science, or that the dominant narrative remained focused solely on progress and technical achievement without emphasizing destructive potential. This would suggest either an idiosyncratic reading of McCarty or a context in which the section 8 introduction did not make the destruction aspect a central pivot, or perhaps that other forces (ethics, policy, or philosophy) shaped perception more than fear of destruction. However, the widely recognized historical emphasis on dual-use technology, arms development, and ethical concerns in the postwar era makes this option less consistent with the commonly taught interpretation.
In evaluating the statement, consider what the introduction emphasizes about the trajectory from wartime achievements to postwar caution, and whether the framing centers on science as both progress and potential danger to humanity. If the text indeed highlights that dual nature as a turning point in perception, option one is supported; if it does not, option two would be more appropriate.

Intro to Global Spring... Quiz on Section 8 reading and lecture

According to Dr. McCarty's section 8 introduction, the perception of science changed following World War II due to the realization that science was not only an agent of progress but could also be an agent of the destruction of humanity.

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

How would you describe the reaction of the physics community to Einstein's revolutionary ideas when they were first published?

Based on the film watched in class, many groundbreaking researchers were killed from exposure to radiation.

Before the sciences was considered a legitimate course of study in universities, they were considered what?

Who first introduced Charles Darwin and evolution by natural selection to the Chinese?

Maienschein claims that studying the history of science can improve science's efficiency. What does she mean by this? (Check BOTH that apply)

Which of the following are arguments Maienschein discusses in favor of studying the history of science? (Check BOTH that apply)

In this week's lecture, we discussed a famous US-American scientist. His goal was to create a mathematical proof for the existence of retrogression within his scientific domain. True or False?

Question at position 7 TrueFalse

More Practical Tools for International Students

Homework AI Solver

Stylized Writing Assistant

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation Assistant

In-Class Translation Assistant

Class Notes Assistant

Quiz Search Assistant

Past Exam Questions by School

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler