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Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
Passage II
Science made some progress in the middle Ages but the spirit of modern science was born with the
Renaissance. Science in the middle ages struggled against restrictions and there were many fetters to be
destroyed before it could continue unhampered. Superstitions were common and to the masses were much
more acceptable then were scientific explanations. The Renaissance brought about an interest in all things
pertaining to men and the thirst for new achievements led to a critical observation of natural phenomena. The
spirit of learning was manifested in science. Scientists of the 16th century made the first effective protest
against the medieval scientific method of accepting theories before investigation had verified them. Francis
Bacon pointed out that classical scientific conclusions did not represent mature knowledge and implored men to
explore the realms of nature. Descartes brought out the necessity of questioning everything. He was the
forerunner of science.
How were the scientists of the 16th century different from those of the medieval times?
The scientists of the 16th century differed from those of the medieval times in that a) They accepted scientific theories only after investigation had verified them. The passage states that 16th-century scientists protested the medieval method of accepting theories without verification, with figures like Francis Bacon criticizing classical conclusions and advocating exploration, and Descartes emphasizing questioning everything. This marks a shift toward empirical investigation, unlike the medieval reliance on untested theories and superstitions. b) is incorrect as struggling against restrictions was a medieval trait, not a distinction; c) reverses the 16th-century approach; and d) is invalid since sufficient information is provided. Thus, a) is the best answer.
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