RC: History - 4 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Passage

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
The Enlightenment, often referred to as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It marked a seismic shift in thinking, moving away from traditional authority and embracing the power of human reason.
Philosophers such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant sought to challenge the established social order by advocating for freedom, democracy, and reason. They questioned traditional doctrines and emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and scientific method, laying the groundwork for modern democracy and scientific thought.
One of the most significant achievements of the Enlightenment was the encouragement of skepticism towards religious and monarchical authority. This skepticism was instrumental in inspiring revolutionary movements, most notably the French Revolution, which sought to overthrow the absolute monarchy and establish a republic based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The Enlightenment also had a profound impact on the arts. Literature, music, and visual arts were infused with the ideals of the movement, celebrating individuality, freedom of expression, and the beauty of the natural world. Artists such as Mozart and Goethe became synonymous with the Enlightenment spirit, using their works to communicate complex ideas and emotions.
Despite its contributions to the advancement of society, the Enlightenment was not without its critics. Some argued that the emphasis on reason could lead to the neglect of emotions and the human spirit, while others worried about the destabilizing effects of challenging long-standing institutions.
Q1: Based on the passage, which of the following statements can be regarded as true? 
(a) The Enlightenment exclusively promoted religious dogmas over scientific inquiry.
(b) Philosophers of the Enlightenment period advocated for a return to monarchical authority.
(c) The Enlightenment inspired revolutionary movements and advocated for democratic principles.
(d) Enlightenment artists shunned the ideals of individuality and freedom of expression.

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Q2: Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as contradicting the facts/arguments in the passage?
(a) The Enlightenment movement was marked by an unquestioning acceptance of established social orders.
(b) Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and scientific method.
(c) The French Revolution sought to establish a republic based on Enlightenment principles.
(d) Critics of the Enlightenment were concerned about the potential neglect of emotions and human spirit.

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Q3: "The Enlightenment also had a profound impact on the arts." In the context of the passage, which one of the following is not a possible implication of the quoted statement?
(a) Enlightenment ideals were reflected in literature, music, and visual arts.
(b) Artists during the Enlightenment era were detached from the intellectual movements of their time.
(c) Works of art from the Enlightenment period often celebrated individuality and freedom of expression.
(d) Artists like Mozart and Goethe used their works to communicate Enlightenment ideas and emotions.

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Q4: Which one of the following statements would be an accurate inference from the description of the Enlightenment's impact on society?
(a) The Enlightenment had little to no influence on the political landscape of Europe.
(b) Skepticism towards religious and monarchical authority was a central theme of the Enlightenment.
(c) The Enlightenment discouraged the use of reason and the scientific method.
(d) The Enlightenment movement was universally accepted without any criticism.

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