ENGLISH MEBY

数値予報、幸福度調査、そして映画芸術:異なる分野の交錯」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of numerical weather prediction, happiness surveys, and cinematic art might appear to share little common ground. Yet, a closer examination reveals intriguing parallels in their methodologies and underlying philosophies. Numerical weather prediction, at its core, relies on complex algorithms processing vast datasets to predict future atmospheric states. While striving for accuracy, it inevitably confronts the inherent chaos of the system, leading to probabilistic forecasts rather than definitive statements. This inherent uncertainty mirrors the challenges in happiness research. Happiness surveys, aiming to quantify subjective experiences, face methodological hurdles. Self-reported data is prone to biases, making the establishment of reliable metrics a continuous struggle. Researchers grapple with defining happiness itself, recognizing the diverse cultural and individual interpretations of this elusive concept. Despite these limitations, valuable insights emerge, illuminating correlations between various factors and reported well-being. These insights, however, must be interpreted cautiously, acknowledging the probabilistic nature of the findings. Similarly, cinematic art, while seemingly subjective and emotionally driven, also engages in a form of prediction, albeit of a different kind. A filmmaker constructs a narrative arc, anticipating audience responses and shaping emotional trajectories. The success of a film hinges on the director's ability to manipulate audience expectations and create a believable, engaging world. This creative process, however, isn't a matter of precise calculation; it relies on intuition, experimentation, and an understanding of human psychology, echoing the probabilistic nature of both weather forecasting and happiness research. The 'perfect' film, like a perfectly accurate weather forecast or a universally applicable measure of happiness, remains an elusive ideal. Ultimately, these three seemingly unrelated disciplines—numerical weather prediction, happiness surveys, and cinematic art—share a common thread: the recognition and management of inherent uncertainty. They grapple with complex systems, rely on imperfect data, and strive for meaning despite inherent probabilistic limitations. The pursuit of knowledge, whether through scientific modeling or artistic expression, highlights the importance of understanding and embracing ambiguity.

1. According to the passage, what is a significant similarity between numerical weather prediction and happiness surveys?

2. The passage uses the analogy of a 'perfect' film to illustrate:

3. What is the author's main point in comparing these three seemingly disparate fields?

4. The word 'elusive' in the passage most nearly means: