![]() This section acts as evidence that as a nation, we have really fallen behind. The section, entitled “How bad is it?” develops on Sagan’s argument attempting to persuade Americans to take action and gain knowledge about science. 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. 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. ![]() “Advances in medicine and agriculture have saved more lives than have been lost in all the wars in history” (Sagan 12-13). Although, discoveries in science have created things that are malevolent, there have also been many beneficial advancements science has brought society. Strangelove.” This feeling of skepticism and mistrust for scientists has distorted the general public’s view of science itself. Americans do not view scientists as people who can be trusted, but view them as “Dr. ![]() 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. Many Americans lack trust for scientists, which correlate with what they choose to believe about science. 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. This appeal to pathos hits the pride of an American hard, creating a feeling of embarrassment, and encouraging him or her to take action. However, as important as these issues may seem, many are unaware of these problems, which is “dangerous and stupid” (Sagan 12-13). Between global warming, ozone depletion, toxic and radioactive wastes, and acid rain, Earth’s atmosphere is changing rapidly. In this age, there are many new issues arising throughout the planet that could affect the fact of the world. 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. 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. Buckley, most Americans, in fact 94%, are “scientifically illiterate”(Sagan 12).Īfter using Mr. 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. 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. 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 inner light.” By using Mr. The character William Buckley acts as this person. Sagan begins his essay with an anecdote that demonstrates the average Americans knowledge in regards to science. 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. 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. Carl Sagan, an astronomer and astrophysicist, and a well-known scientist left his mark on society.
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