Question

Social science disciplines were in existence in an amorphous form until the colonial period when they were intuitionalized. In varying degrees, they were intended to further the colonial interest. In the time of globalization and the economic rise of postcolonial countries like India, conventional ways of knowledge production have become obsolete.

Which of the following can be logically inferred from the above statements?

i) Social science disciplines have become obsolete.

ii) Social science disciplines had a pre – colonial origin

iii) Social science disciplines always promote colonialism

iv) Social science must maintain disciplinary boundaries.

1. ii only
2. i and iii only
3. ii and iv only
4. iii and iv only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : ii only

The passage does not state the boundaries of discipline for social sciences. Neither can this be inferred. Again, the passage only states that the social sciences were institutionalized because of colonial motives. This is not the same as promoting colonialism. Thus this cannot be inferred either. The knowledge production methods have become obsolete and not the discipline. Thus, option 1 is eliminated.

The passage states that social sciences discipline were in an amorphous form till the colonial period. This means that it existed before the colonial age. Thus option 2 can be inferred.