Essay on "Popular Science: An Understand"
Essay 4 pages (1491 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Popular Science:An Understand of How Science Is Perceived in the Public Through Four Article Reviews
Although academics, politicians, and those who work in a scientific career are often very connected to the world of science, the public is also rather interested in scientific findings. Science has an impact on the day-to-day lives of many. For instance, scientific findings may alter the methods with which one eats, exercises, and even applies beauty products. Scientific information can make the general public more wary about an activity, or calm the worries of some. In addition to changing the day-to-day routines of many members of the public, scientific information can also be used to further the political debates of the day. Scientific findings can do this both intentionally and unintentionally through the presentation of simple facts or the politically biased slant taken on by an article. The four articles explored in this paper are easily available to the public and deal with a variety of issues that are drastically important to the public or public debate. Some of the issues also have political implications, but not all are politically biased. Through an examination of these articles, one can determine that the way in which scientific findings are presented to the public are vastly important to the perception of these ideas, and the ways in which they impact their audience.
Global climate change or global warming is one of those hot topics that draws the interest of both politicians and the general public. The issues are of interest to politicians because it shapes a great deal of domestic and international legislation and has economic impacts. Th
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Bill McKibben's "The Most Important Number on Earth" similarly deals with the issue of global warming. In his article, written for Mother Jones, a liberal political magazine, the author discusses that current scientific findings have decided upon a number of carbon production that must be met or exceeded in order to sustain the planet in the future. That number is 350 parts per million. McKibben argues that the global warming issue has been taking center stage in both political and environmental circles, but that a "tipping point" had to come. He stresses that the 350 figure is the tipping point, and that ignoring that carbon production number, which the earth has already defied, will lead to the worst possible case scenario in terms of global warming. McKibben goes on to demonstrate the ways in which this number can be achieved, including the absence of coal plants, carbon caps for countries and businesses, and international cooperation. Unlike Allen's article, McKibben's purpose is not simply to relate scientific fact. Rather it is a call to action, requesting that both the public and political leaders take action. Thus, this is primarily a politically biased article because it argues for immediate action and makes suggestions… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Popular Science: An Understand" Assignment:
Select a total of 4 science news articles from newspapers (local or national), magazines, or journals. (These can also be from web-based versions of the source.) Two must be different examples of scientific understanding (communicating a new finding or educating the public on a scientific topic or investigation) and two must demonstrate the political or biased use of science (science based article that is used/slanted/biased for a political or private agenda, rather than for pure science). Articles must relatively current - that is, they must be dated within 3 months prior to the start of the term (for example, if this course starts on September 15, 2008 - then articles must be dated June 15, 2008 or later).
Prepare a 5 page essay (see the Writing Expectations link on this web site for general writing details), which encompasses all four articles and includes the following for each article (submit via the this Drop-Box):
Is the article scientific or is it political (science being used for political or private purposes), and why?
Describe the science that is being communicated. When writing your essay and discussing your articles, be sure to describe the basic science (scientific knowledge, principle, process, discovery and/or application) in each of the articles.
Describe the political implications or politics dealt with or alluded to in the article (if appropriate).
Describe the point of view that the article is presenting or trying to convey.
Assess the article which could include the following:
Is it clear what the intended purpose of the article is? Is there a 'hidden agenda'?
Validity of the scientific conclusions (if there were conclusions drawn).
Is the treatment of scientific data or information proper or biased in the reporting? Does it seem like the scientific method is being followed? If numerical information is provided, are the results presented with the proper statistical inferences and uncertainties?
Would you draw a different conclusion or recommendation? Why?
Include references or bibliography for all articles.
Please include one article on alternative fuels
How to Reference "Popular Science: An Understand" Essay in a Bibliography
“Popular Science: An Understand.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2008, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/popular-science-understand/9683906. Accessed 27 Sep 2024.
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