CHAPTER 16 / PRACTICE TEST 2 647
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gases. Added to these inventions and discover-
ies was the decisive advance made in mathe-
matics, especially by Sir Isaac Newton and
Leibniz, who independently invented differen-
tial and integral calculus. The method of
observation and mathematical calculation
now became the hallmarks of modern science.
The new scientific mode of thought in time
influenced philosophic thought in two impor-
tant ways. First, the assumption that the basic
processes of nature are observable and capa-
ble of mathematical calculation and descrip-
tion had the effect of engendering another
assumption, namely, that everything consists
of bodies in motion, that everything conforms
to a mechanical model. The heavens above
and the smallest particles below all exhibit the
same laws of motion. Even human thought
was soon explained in mechanical terms, not
to mention the realm of human behavior,
which the earlier moralists described as the
product of free will.- Which of the following is the best title for this
passage?
(A) The Beginnings of the Scientific Method
(B) Scientific Instruments of the Renaissance
(C) The Art and Science of the Renaissance
(D) Biblical Influence on the Scientific Mode
of Thought
(E) The Importance of Hypotheses in
Scientific Thinking - As it is used in line 8, “stress” most nearly
means
(A) anxiety
(B) pressure
(C) emphasis
(D) desperation
(E) contortion
55
60
65
70
75
- It can be inferred from the passage that if pre-
Renaissance scientists observed the motions
of heavenly bodies, they did so most likely in
order to
(A) confirm the formulas that describe the
motions of the planets and stars
(B) distinguish the motions of various
planets
(C) validate what the Bible says about those
bodies
(D) demonstrate the utility of their newly
invented instruments
(E) refute the hypotheses of their rival
scientists - The passage indicates that Galileo did which
of the following?
I. invented an important optical
instrument
II. instructed another famous scientist
III. made an important astronomical
discovery
(A) II only
(B) III only
(C) I and II only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III - The passage indicates that, unlike the “earlier
moralists” (line 74), Renaissance scientists
began to perceive human behavior as
(A) a matter of free choice
(B) influenced by heavenly bodies
(C) controlled by a metaphysical spirit
(D) affected by animalistic impulses
(E) subject to the laws of physical motion - The primary function of the last paragraph
is to
(A) propose a solution to a problem
(B) identify those responsible for a discovery
(C) discuss the effects of a change
(D) refute a misconception
(E) address an objection to the author’s thesis