When the Nobel Prizes were first established, awards were given in five disciplines. Later, one additional field was introduced as a Nobel related prize. Which of the following subjects was added later, in addition to the original five Nobel disciplines?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Economics

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The Nobel Prizes were created according to the will of Alfred Nobel and originally covered a specific set of disciplines. Over time, an additional prize was created that is closely associated with the Nobel system but was not part of the original group. Understanding which subject was added later is a common exam question because it tests knowledge of the structure and history of the Nobel awards rather than just individual winners.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The original Nobel Prizes were awarded in five disciplines.
  • The options include Economics, Medicine, Peace, and Literature.
  • We know that the original will specified Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace.
  • A sixth prize, commonly called the Nobel Prize in Economics, was introduced later by the Swedish central bank.


Concept / Approach:
Alfred Nobel’s will established prizes for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, commonly referred to as the Nobel Prize in Economics, was instituted much later, in 1968, by the Sveriges Riksbank. It is administered by the Nobel Foundation but is not one of the original disciplines described in Nobel’s will. Therefore, the subject that was added later to the Nobel family is Economics, while Medicine, Peace, and Literature all belong to the original five categories.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the original five Nobel Prize disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Step 2: Note that among the options, Medicine, Peace, and Literature already appear in this original list. Step 3: Recognise that Economics is not part of the original five disciplines. Step 4: Remember that the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was introduced later, in 1968. Step 5: Conclude that Economics is the subject added later in addition to the original Nobel disciplines.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by consulting Nobel Prize history summaries or the official Nobel website, which clearly state that the prize in Economic Sciences was established by the Swedish central bank to commemorate its 300th anniversary. The site explains that although it is administered along with the other Nobel Prizes, it is technically a separate award added after the original foundation. This confirms that Economics is the subject introduced later, while Medicine, Peace, and Literature are original Nobel categories.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Medicine: Physiology or Medicine was part of the original set of Nobel Prizes and therefore cannot be the subject added later.
Peace: The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five initial prizes established in Alfred Nobel’s will, not a later addition.
Literature: The Nobel Prize in Literature is also one of the original categories and has been awarded since the early years of the Nobel system.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may mistakenly believe that Peace was added later because it does not sound like a science or literature field. Others confuse the technical details of the Economic Sciences prize and assume it has always existed as a normal Nobel. To avoid such errors, students should memorise that five disciplines were original and that Economics was added later by the Swedish central bank, making it the sixth Nobel related prize in common exam terminology.


Final Answer:
The subject added later to the original five Nobel disciplines is Economics, formally known as the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

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