Enemies Of Reason By Richard Dawkins Analysis
Zafer Çavdar DR. LENKER ACWR 101 – 11 / Spring 2015 Essay B: Analytical Synthesis – Second (Conference) Draft Analytical Synthesis of Enemies of Reason by Richard Dawkins and Carl Sagan’s article A British biologist Richard Dawkins has presented a documentary film, Enemies of Reason, in 2007 to disprove that pseudoscientific practices have reliable logic as well as science has. The documentary’s first part includes Dawkins’s investigations which aim to find out whether these practices have any scientific base or not. As Dawkins, a famous astrophysicist and astrobiologist Carl Sagan probes the reasons of increasing popularity of pseudoscience in his article “Does Truth Matter: Science, Pseudoscience, and Civilization”. Sagan points out the …show more content…
A great number of people do not believe in these practices, however they do not consider superstitions harmful to themselves. Although lots of people do not regard these beliefs and stories as damaging, Sagan and Dawkins agree on the point that superstitions and pseudoscience cannot be innocent anymore. Dawkins remarks a popular practice which is about communicating with dead people and examines psychics’ language used when he talks to his visitors. Dawkins believes that this superstitious nonsense can be far from harmless fun for some people (Enemies of Reason). Because, making anguished people believe that dead people still can communicate with the ones who are alive does not give anything these people except for fear and psychological disorder. In addition, Sagan criticizes one of the most known pseudoscientific doctrine which claims that wishing is the only way to obtain something. According to him, believing this doctrine causes the loss of importance of hard work. He adduces the genie from the lamp and the enchanted fish example to show that how our children’s brains are conditioned to believe these useless superstitions based on just wishing (par. 9). Considering that both Sagan and Dawkins examine widespread practices, we conclude that they share the same concern that these practices are big threats to …show more content…
Both of them give preference to use rhetorical questions. After performing an experiment to find out whether or not weekly horoscopes only fit the people in same zodiac, Dawkins asks this rhetorical question: “Astrologers say this should fit just Capricorn and not the rest, but what actually happened (Dawkins, Enemies of Reason)?”. Also, before starting his article, Sagan asks “Do we care what is true? Does it matter (Sagan, par. 1)?” Actually Sagan does not want any answers to his questions as well as Dawkins. They just intend to draw readers’/audience’s attention and to make them curious about further parts of the documentary/ the
Comparing Einstein's Letter To Phyllis Wright
253 Words | 2 PagesIn his letter answering sixth-grade student Phyllis Wright’s question of whether scientists pray, Albert Einstein employs purposeful logos and diction to successfully distinguish the religiosity of true scientists from that others. Einstein logically builds his distinction by asserting that “a research scientist will hardly believe ... [in] prayer” and subsequently revealing that experienced scientists nevertheless develop a religious devotion towards “a spirit vastly superior to that of man.” This explicit presentation of the similarities and differences makes it clear how the scientists’ concepts of piety differ from conventional beliefs. Henceforth, Wright would conceptualize Einstein’s beliefs as a variation from the beliefs she is familiar
Unit 1 Psychology Discussion: Pseudoscience
121 Words | 1 PagesMarsha McMillen Unit 1 Psychology Discussion If I had to deal with a patient that believed a pseudoscience. I would explain to them that pseudoscience is a non-proven science, that makes claims that make them seem true but they don’t have any proven fact that can back these claims that are being made. It has not been studied in depth such as medical science. I would also tell them that they should consider that science is focused on helping people to acquire a better understanding of the world.
The Perimeter Of Ignorance By Neil Degrasse Tyson
743 Words | 3 PagesThe issue on whether religion and science can work together has been debatable for centuries. Neil DeGrasse Tyson in his article the Perimeter of Ignorance argues that science and religion cannot coexist. In his article, the author explains that religion is all about the Bible and the Bible primarily focuses on the explanation of the origin of the world. He puts forth the point that this concept is far different from what science is and that they do not complement each other. This essay intends to prove that religion and science can work together with no issues.
Essay On Calcium Fallacy
895 Words | 4 PagesThe Calcium Fallacy “Humans are creatures of habit and of predictable emotions - that preside over logic,” writes Robert R. Barefoot in Death by Diet. He refers to the fact that we human beings, even intelligent, scientific-minded ones, tend to stick to the status quo, even when it’s not valid and makes no sense. Hence, when new information threatens his/her previously held convictions, the average scientist (being human) can use all kinds of fallacious reasoning to controvert new information - especially if his/her livelihood is at stake. The history of the science that precedes medicine is always centuries behind where it ought to be, because it takes centuries for new information to be accepted by the established orthodoxy, and, right now, we’re in the midst of an emerging new paradigm and the passing of an old one, which makes it hard to know who and what to trust.
Ethos Pathos And Logos For A Conspiracy
1236 Words | 5 PagesThese two historical examples give evidence of how conspirators can misinterpret information, and unknowingly use the conjunction fallacy to support their conspiracy. Since there is evidence of conspiratorial thinkers being victim to this, it is probable that Herndon may have been subject to this idea as well. This would explain in part, why an educated scientist would believe a conspiracy that doesn’t agree with science. Herndon’s appeals of logos, ethos, and pathos also prove how readers of his article are enticed and more likely to believe his article.
Rhetorical Analysis Of Small Change By Malcolm Gladwell
1180 Words | 5 PagesThe audience is interested in the story and also feels empathy for what these men went through and for the progress they made, thus making this strategy effective in persuading the
Was Darwin Wrong David Quammen Analysis
1156 Words | 5 PagesOver the eras, many scientists have expressed concerns with Darwin's evolution theory and in "Was Darwin Wrong?" by David Quammen one can learn about the proof behind the theory of evolution. Many people do not believe in evolution due to an overall unawareness about the theory and religious upbringing. However, Quammen clarifies the truth behind evolution in his article. The article states five positions of evidence biogeography, embryology, morphology, paleontology, and the bacterial resistance to antibiotics discovered in humans.
Comparison Of 1860 And The Scopes Monkey Trial
1302 Words | 6 PagesTo assume that the Wilberforce-Huxley debate of 1860, and the Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925 are even remotely similar in their actual arguments is to fall prey to decades of intentional propaganda. Both of these events are continuously set up as groundbreaking struggles between science and religion that ended in the latter being dealt a crushing blow. Yet in reality, during neither event was either topic the sole focus. Both the 19th century debate and the 20th century trial have been warped by contemporary and future writers alike into similar molds that stray far from the truth. Though from the outset they bear some similarities, any amount of in depth research reveals the simple fact that neither case fits into the commonly held views.
Ap Euro Dbq Scientific Revolution
1254 Words | 6 PagesThe Scientific Revolution between 1500 and 1700 led way to radical changes in people’s view of the universe and their place in it. New technology and discoveries changed the world for the better but also worse, simultaneously. Radical phenomenons at this time were secular views of how the Earth is created and managed, ruler’s afraid of uprising, heliocentric views. The secular views changed religion and the people apart of it, rulers affected the limitations of scientists politically, and heliocentric view changed how people were socially. Along with this new technology and methods of science and medicine were introduced.
Logical Fallacies In Inherit The Wind
734 Words | 3 PagesIn another example of Brady’s misconception about his study of the bible and evolution, Brady says, “I say that these Bible- haters, these ‘Evil-ution,’ are brewers of poison” (70). Every one has their own faith in what they believe and Brady should not force people to believe in what he believes in. Brady is wrong when he is trying to get people think of evolution is wrong and his knowledge of the bible is right. He argues against the teaching of evolution because in the theory of Darwin about human transformation.
Carl Sagan Rhetorical Analysis
836 Words | 4 PagesDoes it matter?,” Carl Sagan beautifully and respectfully asserts the importance of favoring science over pseudoscience, and makes clear his argument as to why not the other way around. Sagan believes in the rhetorical connection between author and audience, which is why he maintains understanding throughout the essay. Sagan’s compassionate tone informs his polite authority, which in turn
Lewis's Argument For The Existence Of The Law Of Human Nature
623 Words | 3 PagesLewis proved he was not one for hesitation when it came to voicing his theories about the universe. Carefully manufacturing his first theory with inductive reasoning, Lewis is sure to incorporate logical thinking in his argument for the Law of Human Nature by pointing out different pieces of evidence to larger, more universal statements. He makes general observations after comparisons with different universal laws as well as different civilizations throughout time. Following these remarks, he delves further into his theory that people don’t need to be taught the Law of Nature, but that almost everyone knows it by nature. In the second paragraph, Lewis further establishes logical persuasion by pointing out his “Power Behind” theory with deductive reasoning.
Destruction Of Reason Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis
907 Words | 4 PagesFear, the Destruction of Reason People often use reason in making decisions, but when scared all reason can be thrown out the window. In William Golding’s allegorical novel, Lord of the Flies, a group of British school boys becomes stranded on an island. The group attempts to create a civilized tribe whose goal is to get rescued from the island. Soon any trace of their civilized manor is diminished by the boys fear of the unknown.
David Hume Matters Of Fact Summary
340 Words | 2 PagesHowever, because each person’s view of the world is subjective, what one believes is a “matter of fact” does not necessarily have to be true. Often, people have to make judgements, weighing exceptions with common occurrences (371). Stories about miracles, then, have even less grounding in evidence. People tell about miracles through word-of-mouth. For instance, people may say that they have heard of someone who
More about Enemies Of Reason By Richard Dawkins Analysis
Comparing Einstein's Letter To Phyllis Wright
253 Words | 2 PagesUnit 1 Psychology Discussion: Pseudoscience
121 Words | 1 PagesDawkins Memes
1435 Words | 6 PagesThe Perimeter Of Ignorance By Neil Degrasse Tyson
743 Words | 3 PagesEssay On Calcium Fallacy
895 Words | 4 PagesEthos Pathos And Logos For A Conspiracy
1236 Words | 5 PagesRhetorical Analysis Of Small Change By Malcolm Gladwell
1180 Words | 5 PagesWas Darwin Wrong David Quammen Analysis
1156 Words | 5 PagesComparison Of 1860 And The Scopes Monkey Trial
1302 Words | 6 PagesAp Euro Dbq Scientific Revolution
1254 Words | 6 PagesLogical Fallacies In Inherit The Wind
734 Words | 3 PagesCarl Sagan Rhetorical Analysis
836 Words | 4 PagesLewis's Argument For The Existence Of The Law Of Human Nature
623 Words | 3 PagesDestruction Of Reason Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis
907 Words | 4 PagesDavid Hume Matters Of Fact Summary
340 Words | 2 Pages