Normal
0
false
false
false
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
How Far Behind Has America Fallen?
Carl Sagan, an astronomer and astrophysicist, and a well-known scientist left his mark on society. His research and publications of numerous articles and books, his work on Viking, a mission to plant Mars in the 1970’s, his work in academia at Cornell University, and being a host of the television series “Cosmos,” has made Sagan an idolized figure in the world of science[1]. In his article “Why We Need to Understand Science,” published in Parade magazine, Sagan explains to Americans how far behind they have fallen in the field of science and technology and persuades them to take action to catch up to the rest of the world.
Sagan begins his essay with an anecdote that demonstrates the average Americans knowledge in regards to science. The character William Buckley acts as this person. Buckley attempts to “discuss UFOs, “channeling”, crystals, and astrology.” Sagan explains that there is little evidence about these topics, but they seem to be the “facet of [Buckley’s] inner light.” By using Mr. Buckley, a relatable character who in appearance seems intelligent, as a representation of the average American, Sagan finds a common ground to make his article relatable to the reader without offending. This persuading technique allows Sagan to explain that Americans really do not know that much about science, but about a pseudoscience which they have believed to be correct. Just like Mr. Buckley, most Americans, in fact 94%, are “scientifically illiterate”(Sagan 12).
After using Mr. Buckley to illustrate America’s lack of knowledge in science and technology and catching the readers’ attention through a relatable character, Sagan continues his essay with “A prescription for disaster,” explaining the slippery slope that America is heading down. He states that as America becomes more advanced technologically and scientifically as a society, the amount of knowledge about the fields remains the same, leaving many ignorant about not only science and technology, but much more important issues. In this age, there are many new issues arising throughout the planet that could affect the fact of the world. Between global warming, ozone depletion, toxic and radioactive wastes, and acid rain, Earth’s atmosphere is changing rapidly. However, as important as these issues may seem, many are unaware of these problems, which is “dangerous and stupid” (Sagan 12-13). This appeal to pathos hits the pride of an American hard, creating a feeling of embarrassment, and encouraging him or her to take action.
Sagan suggests that Americans’ lack of education could be due to the stereotypical view of scientists, which has gradually created distrust in the field of science all together. Many Americans lack trust for scientists, which correlate with what they choose to believe about science. Americans know that “science and technology are not just cornucopias pouring good deeds out into the world.” Science has invented nuclear weapons, “thalidomide, CFCs, Agent Orange, nerve gas, and industries so powerful they can ruin the climate of the planet.” The negative inventions have created the image of the mad scientist within our world. Americans do not view scientists as people who can be trusted, but view them as “Dr. Frankenstein” or “Dr. Strangelove.” This feeling of skepticism and mistrust for scientists has distorted the general public’s view of science itself. Although, discoveries in science have created things that are malevolent, there have also been many beneficial advancements science has brought society. “Advances in medicine and agriculture have saved more lives than have been lost in all the wars in history” (Sagan 12-13). This fact alone illustrates all the good that can come from science and if America can create future generations who are skilled in the field, the possibilities are endless.
Sagan takes an extra step to convince his reader how far behind America has fallen through the use of statistical data comparing the United States to other countries throughout the world. The section, entitled “How bad is it?” develops on Sagan’s argument attempting to persuade Americans to take action and gain knowledge about science. This section acts as evidence that as a nation, we have really fallen behind. Sagan also changes tone in this section. In previous sections, he is friendly and persuasive, an attempt to relate to the reader to ensure they listen when he changes to an urgent tone, emphasizing the need for change (Sagan 14).
In his article, Sagan explains to Americans how far they have fallen and persuades them to take action to educate themselves for the greater good of America. He believes the need to popularize science to rid Americans of the ignorance and lack of understanding about science and technology has never been more prevalent. A basic understanding of science can enable people to differentiate from what was real and what was artificial in the world, and through education, the pseudoscience that most Americans believe to be true will eventually be replaced by knowledge of basic science.
WRT 102.22: Science & Society 