The Scientific Revolution is traditionally dated to Copernicus (1543) through Newton (1687). Historians have challenged this narrative, noting that 'revolutionary' changes emerged gradually from medieval scholarship, Arabic science, and centuries of observation. The term 'revolution' was only applied retrospectively. Yet defenders argue that something genuinely transformative occurred—a fundamental shift in methodology and worldview not reducible to gradual accumulation.
Based on the passage, it can be inferred that
how historical periods are defined and bounded may reflect interpretive choices rather than simple facts
all histories exactly represent what occurred without interpretation
the period from 1543 to 1687 saw no intellectual developments
historians unanimously agree the Scientific Revolution was a true revolution
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The 'revolution' label is debated and retrospectively applied.
- Context clues: The term was "only applied retrospectively"; historians "challenge" the narrative.
- Meaning: How we frame history involves interpretive decisions.
- Verify: The debate about whether changes were revolutionary or gradual shows disagreement about framing.
đź’ˇ Strategy: When the very categories used to describe history are contested, infer interpretive construction.
Choice B is incorrect because historians actively debate how to frame this period. Choice C is incorrect because both sides acknowledge significant intellectual developments. Choice D is incorrect because historians "challenge" the revolution narrative.