if-would or had-would ?

[MakeUrTimeCount]

In addition to the great benefits mankind has enjoyed since the discovery of certain technologies, many atrocities would have been prevented had the scientists who made the discoveries had the wisdom to discard such power.

A) had the scientists who made the discoveries had
B) if the scientists who made the discoveries have had
C) if the scientists who made the discoveries had
D) had the scientists who made the discoveries have
E) had the scientists who made the discoveries showed

OA: A

Let's discuss...

[GMATGuruNY]

In addition to the great benefits mankind has enjoyed since the discovery of certain technologies, many atrocities would have been prevented had the scientists who made the discoveries had the wisdom to discard such power.

A) had the scientists who made the discoveries had
B) if the scientists who made the discoveries have had
C) if the scientists who made the discoveries had
D) had the scientists who made the discoveries have
E) had the scientists who made the discoveries showed

OA: A

Let's discuss...

If John HAD had enough money, he WOULD HAVE paid for dinner.

IF + PAST PERFECT + WOULD HAVE is used to express PAST actions that are HYPOTHETICAL/CONTRARY-TO-FACT.
The meaning conveyed here is that John DIDN'T have enough money, so he DIDN'T pay for dinner.

The following express the same meaning:

HAD John had enough money, he WOULD HAVE paid for dinner.
John WOULD HAVE paid for dinner, HAD he had enough money.

This last structure is employed by the original sentence in the SC above:

Many atrocities WOULD HAVE been prevented HAD the scientists had the wisdom to discard such power.

The meaning conveyed is that the scientists DID NOT have the widsom, so the atrocities were NOT prevented.

Thus, the sentence is correct as written.

The correct answer is A.

[Johnkate]

Hi Mitch,

Doesn't (A) has run-over sentence?

[MakeUrTimeCount]

Thanks Milch.

I totallz agree with you on the meaning of the sentence and did not find any thing wrong with the sentence. I have used this construction before, but somehow had doubt about the authenticity of the statement as per GMAT standards. Your reference to OG question has clarified that doubt.

Could you please share your views on B and C. Especially how could one reject C.
Is there any other way to reject these choices except for the subjunctive mood (past tense of whose, I was not aware with).

Thanks

[GMATGuruNY]

Thanks Milch.

I totallz agree with you on the meaning of the sentence and did not find any thing wrong with the sentence. I have used this construction before, but somehow had doubt about the authenticity of the statement as per GMAT standards. Your reference to OG question has clarified that doubt.

Could you please share your views on B and C. Especially how could one reject C.
Is there any other way to reject these choices except for the subjunctive mood (past tense of whose, I was not aware with).

Thanks

If John HAD enough money, he WOULD pay for dinner.

IF + SIMPLE PAST + WOULD is used to express PRESENT actions that are HYPOTHETICAL/CONTRARY-TO-FACT.
The meaning conveyed here is that John DOESN'T have enough money, so he CAN'T pay for dinner.

In C, if the scientists HAD the wisdom (a present action) does not agree with many atrocities WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED (a past action).
In B, if the scientists HAVE HAD the wisdom (present perfect) does not agree with many atrocities WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED (a past action).
All the verbs should be in the same tense unless a change in tense is required.