Question

"Three centuries ago, Isaac Newton wrote: "". . . to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore . . . whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."" When Newton surveyed the vast ocean of truth which lay before him, the laws of nature were shrouded in an impenetrable veil of mystery. –Visions, Michio Kaku. How does the ocean build as a key term between the two passages?

a. Ocean metaphorically represented scientific unknowns but now represents possibilities.
b. Ocean metaphorically represents where science was and where it is going in the future.
c. Ocean metaphorically represents the unknown to Newton but the known to Kaku.

Answer 1

The reference to the ocean in both passages metaphorically signifies the expanse of scientific knowledge, transitioning from the unknowns in Newton's time to the possibilities and advancements in the present day, aligning with the notion that the ocean represents where science was and where it is going.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context provided, the ocean builds as a key term between the passages by serving as a metaphor for the immense expanse of scientific knowledge and discovery. Initially, Isaac Newton compares himself to a boy on a seashore, suggesting that despite his progress in science, he had only begun to discover the ocean of truth lying before him. Michio Kaku later extends this ocean metaphor, highlighting how science is an adventure akin to exploring an uncharted ocean, with constant discoveries and advancements expanding our understanding of the physical universe.

Therefore, when assessing the two passages, it seems most aligned with option (b): Ocean metaphorically represents where science was and where it is going in the future. Newton's reference to the ocean represents the scientific unknowns of his time, while Kaku acknowledges the ocean of truth that still remains, yet he focuses on the possibilities and progress that continue to shape our scientific journey.