From ancient times to the modern world, one idea has consistently driven human progress: the ability to ask questions. It may seem simple, but asking 'Why?' has helped people move beyond myths, guesswork, and tradition toward deeper understanding. Questioning forms the foundation of both science and philosophy.
In ancient Greece, philosophers like Socrates encouraged people to challenge common beliefs. Rather than accepting what others said as true, Socrates taught his students to ask questions about justice, truth, and knowledge itself. This method, known as the Socratic Method, sparked curiosity and critical thinking.
Centuries later, during the Scientific Revolution, thinkers like Galileo and Newton used observation and experimentation to test ideas. Instead of trusting authority or old books, they relied on evidence. This shift was a turning point. Asking 'Why does this happen?' was no longer just for debate—it became a tool for discovery.
Asking good questions is not only about finding answers. It also reveals what we don’t know. This kind of healthy doubt is called skepticism. Scientists use skepticism to avoid jumping to conclusions, and philosophers use it to explore ideas from many sides. For example, early scientists once believed the Earth was the center of the universe. By questioning that idea, Copernicus and others changed the course of history.
Today, asking 'Why?' continues to shape the world. Whether we are exploring black holes, studying the brain, or debating ethics, great questions still lead us forward. In a world full of information, it’s not always the answer that matters most—but the question that starts the journey.
Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?
Q2: What role did Copernicus play in changing scientific thinking?
Q3: How did the purpose of asking questions shift from the time of Socrates to the Scientific Revolution?
Q4: Based on the passage, why is skepticism important in science and philosophy?
Q5: What does the word 'speculation' most likely mean in the sentence: 'It may seem simple, but asking “Why?” has helped people move beyond myths, guesswork, and speculation toward deeper understanding'?
Printable Comprehension Practice
Visit us at https://readbuddies.com to practice interactively, track your progress, and explore more comprehension passages.
Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The entire passage discusses how questioning has driven progress in both philosophy and science, from ancient times to now.
Q2: What role did Copernicus play in changing scientific thinking?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Copernicus questioned the belief that Earth was the center of the universe, which led to major scientific changes.
Q3: How did the purpose of asking questions shift from the time of Socrates to the Scientific Revolution?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage explains that Socrates used questioning to explore ideas, while scientists later used questions to test and discover truths through evidence.
Q4: Based on the passage, why is skepticism important in science and philosophy?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Skepticism, as described in the passage, helps thinkers remain cautious and open-minded, avoiding rushed conclusions.
Q5: What does the word 'speculation' most likely mean in the sentence: 'It may seem simple, but asking “Why?” has helped people move beyond myths, guesswork, and speculation toward deeper understanding'?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: In context, 'speculation' is listed with words like 'myths' and 'guesswork,' suggesting it means ideas without solid evidence.