Final answer:
The words 'outmoded,' 'prescientific,' and 'relics' in the excerpt contribute to a confident, educated tone, indicating that the discrimination discussed is outdated and unscientific. The correct answer is option 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The words outmoded, prescientific, and relics in the excerpt significantly influence the tone, giving it an air of critical retrospection. These words suggest that the discrimination being discussed is based on outdated, unscientific ideas that no longer have a place in modern society. The use of 'outmoded' implies that the ideas are no longer relevant or useful, 'prescientific' criticizes the lack of empirical grounding for the beliefs underpinning discrimination, and 'relics' suggests that these discriminatory practices are remnants of a more primitive past that should be discarded. Therefore, these words contribute to a confident, educated tone, emphasizing the need for change based on a thoughtful understanding of social progress.