According to the author, why did science fail to flourish in medieval Islamic culture?

According to the author, why did science fail to flourish in medieval Islamic culture?

• A. Arbitrary
• B. Benevolent
• C. Omniscient
• D. Merciful

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that science needs reliable, ongoing support from rulers and institutions to develop. The author points out that when authority is arbitrary—making decisions on a whim about funding, patronage, and priorities—scientists can’t plan long-term research, maintain libraries and schools, or carry out sustained translation and development projects. This capricious environment disrupts progress and explains why science didn’t flourish as consistently in medieval Islamic culture. The other traits listed would imply favorable or unrelated conditions, which don’t account for the stagnation the author describes.

The main idea is that science needs reliable, ongoing support from rulers and institutions to develop. The author points out that when authority is arbitrary—making decisions on a whim about funding, patronage, and priorities—scientists can’t plan long-term research, maintain libraries and schools, or carry out sustained translation and development projects. This capricious environment disrupts progress and explains why science didn’t flourish as consistently in medieval Islamic culture. The other traits listed would imply favorable or unrelated conditions, which don’t account for the stagnation the author describes.