Question

Regarding the spontaneous generation theory, what does the term "rebuke" mean in the context of the text?

A) To support or advocate for a theory
B) To challenge or criticize a theory
C) To experiment and prove a theory
D) To disprove or negate a theory

Answer 1

In the context of the text, 'rebuke' means to challenge or criticize a theory, specifically the theory of spontaneous generation. This term reflects the actions taken by scientists such as Francesco Redi and Louis Pasteur, who provided evidence against the theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

Meaning of 'Rebuke' in the Context of Spontaneous Generation

Regarding the spontaneous generation theory, the term "rebuke" in the context of the text means B) To challenge or criticize a theory. This term suggests a rejection or disapproval of the spontaneous generation concept, which was a prevalent idea until proven incorrect by scientific experimentation. Experiments by scientists such as Francesco Redi and Louis Pasteur played significant roles in challenging and ultimately disproving the theory that life could arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

Redi's experiments in the 17th century showed that maggots on meat came from flies, not from the meat itself, thereby criticizing the theory of spontaneous generation. Similarly, in the 19th century, Pasteur's careful experiments, which included his famous swan-neck flask, conclusively disproved the theory by demonstrating that microbial life does not spontaneously generate but comes from other life forms.