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  3. Framing a problem in mythological terms can point toward solutions at deeper mythic levels. For centuries, the guiding myth of W

Framing a problem in mythological terms can point toward solutions at deeper mythic levels. For centuries, the guiding myth of W

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问题     Framing a problem in mythological terms can point toward solutions at deeper mythic levels. For centuries, the guiding myth of Western culture has been what might be called the "Grand Narrative of Progress." It is the story of movement toward a goal-achievement, improvement, and conquest. Modern science and technology have propelled this myth, extending the human life-span, harnessing natural resources and the power of the atom, carrying sounds through the atmospheres, and exploring outer space by defying gravity itself.
    Rational thought and the empirical scientific method became the chief instruments of the progress myth, and they promised to discern which economic system, which form of government, and which aesthetic design would best lead humanity out Of confusion toward a Utopian future. As science tests hypotheses, those that fail to be verified are abandoned, allowing science to move forward in a self-correcting, progressive direction.
    Mythology was equated with superstition and falsehood: its most vital elements could not be subjected to empirical verification, and it emanated from the well of imagination rather than reason. Spiritual concerns, beliefs in the divine, and respect for the sacred were considered to be the "opium of the masses" and, like any other addiction, a hindrance to progress.
    But as the Grand Narrative of Progress came to dominate other values and views, it cast a malignant shadow. The invention of the automobile was the quintessence of progress, but it left overcrowded highways, air pollution, and deforestation in its wake. Fertilizers increased crop production but also increased the growth of algae in lakes and canals. The discovery of powerful insecticides — first greeted with enthusiasm and a Nobel Prize—was followed by the unintentional poisoning of fish, birds, and animals. Nuclear power plants increased available energy but led to storage problems, life-threatening contamination, and at least one accident with worldwide repercussions. The waste products of technological living began to choke great cities and foul once-pristine lands. Although Western housing, clothing, and religion were brought to aboriginal people, and the rate of infectious disease went down, the rate of alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, and spouse and children abuse went up.
Which of the following can best describe the view of the author?
选项 A、Human progress has nothing to do with mythologies.
B、The myth has helped little in shaping the human future.
C、The Grand Narrative of Progress should be criticized.
D、Science and technology can lead us to a Utopian future.
答案C
解析 本题为态度分析题。从最后一段可知，作者分别从汽车、化肥、电子产品的废弃物以及社会问题等方面，讲述了Grand Narrative of Progress主导其他价值观和世界观之后，给人类和环境带来的危害。可以推知，作者对Grand Narrative of Progress是持批判否定态度的。C选项符合作者的态度观点。从倒数第二段可知，Mythology是对人类进步的一种阻碍，而不是毫无关系。从全文看可知，myth极大地改变了人类未来，带来好的方面的同时，也带来了巨大的负面影响，因此，B选项与原文意思不符。D选项原文并未提及。因此，C选项为正确选项。
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