Comprehension

It is essential to rid ourselves of the false impression of time, which our human limitations seem to impose upon us. Above all, we must rid ourselves of the belief that the future is in some way less determined than the past, if the borderline between past and future is illusory, then no must be the distinction between the two regions of time which it is supposed to separate. The only reason we believe the future to be still undecided while the past is immutable is that we can remember the one and not the other. To avoid these prejudices we must picture the history of the universe not as a three-dimensional stage on which things change but as a static four-dimensional space-time structure of which we are a part. We believe that events are not real until they “happen”, whereas in reality past, present and future are all frozen in the four dimensions of space-time. Unfortunately, even if all this is accepted, we have to continue using the language of a “moving” time, for we have no other, but we must try to interpret this language always as a description of the unchanging space-time structure of the universe.
Contemplating the history of the universe in this way, it is attractive to believe that the periods of expansion and contraction could be related to each other by symmetry. Both points of view merit serious consideration and that we cannot say with any certainty that the contracting universe will or will not, differ fundamentally from the expanding phase that we observe today.

Question: 1

According to the author of the passage,

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When a passage critiques illusions or misconceptions, look for philosophical or metaphysical shifts in perspective.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2025
  • the time value called ‘now’ is most essential to the understanding of the universe
  • the impression of a ‘moving time’ is not a false imposition of human limitation
  • there is nothing with respect to which time could move
  • the future is better determined than the past
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The author argues that the impression of time moving is an illusion created by human limitations.
He suggests we should view time as a static dimension (like space), implying there is no reference point or entity with respect to which time “moves.” This clearly supports Option (C).
Other options: - (A) contradicts the author’s dismissal of “now” as a subjective phenomenon.
- (B) is directly refuted in the passage.
- (D) is explicitly opposed — the author says future and past are equally determined.
\[ \boxed{\text{(C)}} \]
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Question: 2

Which of the following best exemplifies the author's attitude to time?

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When all the listed options are validated independently by the passage, the “All of the above” choice is often the best pick.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2025
  • The impression of a moving time is false
  • ‘Now’ is a purely subjective phenomenon existing only within the human mind
  • The future is not in any way less determined than the past
  • All of the above
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The author’s view of time is deeply philosophical:
- He denies the concept of time “moving” — calling it a false impression.
- He claims “now” is merely a subjective illusion — not a physical property.
- He states that the future is not less determined than the past, thereby refuting common beliefs.
Thus, all three points A, B, and C accurately reflect his stance. \[ \boxed{\text{(D)}} \]
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