Scientists are constantly forced to test their work and beliefs. Thus they need the ability to embrace the uncertainty that science is based on. This is a point John M. Barry uses throughout the passage to characterize scientific research, and by using rhetorical devices such as, comparison, specific diction, and contrast he is able show the way he views and characterizes scientific research. One of the most effective methods Barry uses throughout the aforementioned passage, is his comparison of scientists to explorers. The first lines of paragraph four set up the comparison, “All real scientists exist on the frontier,” this furthers the point Barry makes that scientific research is about uncertainty and embracing it, only then will the research that is done yield any answers. Barry furthers the point of uncertainty is the very nature of science with this quote, “There they probe in a …show more content…
In the passage Barry says, “It is not the courage to venture into the unknown. It is the courage to accept—indeed, embrace—uncertainty.” He uses the specific diction of venture, and embrace to further his points on how scientists must embrace the uncertainty, instead of just being prepared to venture into it. This also leads into how he contrasts embracing uncertainty and venturing into uncertainty. He is able to show that although they seem like the same thing, in the end they are very different. Venturing into the unknown does not mean you are prepared to accept it, especially with how most people are scared of the unknown. Though being able to accept the unknown and the uncertainty that comes with it truly defines scientific research. Overall, John M. Barry was able to define and characterize scientific research. Using rhetorical strategies such as, comparison, specific diction, and contrast Barry is able to show how scientific research is uncertainty
In The Great Influenza, John M. Barry educates citizens of the everyday challenges that scientists face through utilizing rhetorical questions, cause and effect, and contrast. Barry’s uses of the rhetorical strategies highlights the beauty of uncertainty because of failure, scientists can make new discoveries everyday. In relation
Science is a study that can be viewed and interpreted in various ways. Some believe science to be based on facts and specific results, while others believe it to be based on creativity and spontaneity. In his account of the 1918 flu epidemic, The Great Influenza, John M. Barry characterizes scientific research as work that requires creativity, spontaneity, and intelligence through his use of rhetorical devices such as allusions, metaphors, and rhetorical questions.
Opportunistic scientists, the most hypocritical deviants of the modern age, revolve around the scientific method, or at least they used to. The scientific method once involved formulating a hypothesis from a problem posed, experimenting, and forming a conclusion that best explained the data collected. Yet today, those who are willing to critique the work of their peers are themselves performing the scientific method out of sequence. I propose that scientists, or the "treasure hunters" of that field, are no longer interested in permanent solutions, achieved through proper use of the scientific method, and rather are more interested in solutions that guarantee fame and fortune.
Many people are inclined to say why would science even wish to peruse this method of research? Lewis Thomas says in his essay "The Hazards of Science" It would seem to me a more unnatural thing and more of an offense against nature for us to come on the same scene endowed... ... middle of paper ... ... J. Michael Bishop states that "The price of science seems large, but to reject science is to deny the future.
Generally, I disagree with Barry's view on the topic, his writing technique, and reasoning. His work is a persuasive text meant to entertain; but, in my honest opinion, it does not even succeed in merely swaying the reader in order to shift their perspective or chuckle at the supposed hilarity of his jokes.
Barry depicts the work of a researcher to be complex and challenging, and that each synopsis of a situation has obstacles that can only be surpassed by the necessary characteristics of a scientist. Barry uses the examination of a rock to show the mindset a scientist must have in order to obtain the wanted information. Including how researchers use the traits of not only curiosity and creativity, but also patience and forethought strengthens Barry’s claim of the predicaments a scientist may encounter and how he would overcome them, “Would a pick be best, or would dynamite be better - or would dynamite be too indiscriminately destructive?” (Barry 40-42). Throughout the passage Barry uses several rhetorical strategies to characterize his claims and to allow his audience to grasp an understanding of how scientific research, although difficult and riddled with obstacles, encompasses humankind’s need for
It is clear that John Barry thinks science is a field of study copmlex It's very fleeting because everything can change or be canceled by an incident. Using parallelism in his writing Barry Created antitheses, juxtapositions, and syntax amplified to make the point. Barry says people are too attached to the known and this inhibits further exploration.
Barry opens with a universal truth about life which translated well when comparing the scientists of the past and future. He uses anaphora to convey the battle and Certainty Vs. Uncertainty in the first paragraph, he stated “Certainty creates strength. Certainty gives one something upon
He wants his readers to question each possibility and, ultimately, to question one’s ability to understand reality altogether. As the narrator states, “Nothing is fixed, nothing solved. The facts, such as they are, finally spin off into the void of things missing, the inconclusiveness of conclusion… All secrets lead to the dark,
In the passage, Barry contrasts ideas to differentiate between the positive and negative traits a scientist may have. He begins by pointing out the juxtaposition of “Certainty creates strength. Uncertainty creates weakness” (Barry). By including these sentences near each other, the readers are able to understand the impact hesitancy makes on ones decisions. Barry informs the audience of another characteristic a researcher must acquire by pointing out the difference in right and wrong. He put together “To move forcefully and aggressively even while uncertain requires a confidence and strength deeper than physical courage” to contrast strong physical actions against timid internal feelings. (Barry). Barry includes the opposition of “forcefully
Director Steven Spielberg and auther Markus Zusak, in their intriguing production, movie Saving Private Ryan and book The Book Thief, both taking place during World War II. However , in Saving Private Ryan Spielberg focus on a lot of complications that occur during war , but guilt was one difficulty that stood out to me. Zusak, on the other hand , showas that having courage during war can be a advantage and also an disadvantage depending on the situation. Both director and author grabed the audience attention with emotional and logical appeal.
Barry’s use of an extended metaphor in paragraph 4 illustrates the unknown as being a, “wilderness region where [scientists] know almost nothing…” This highlights to the audience that scientists are truly courageous, as they have to trek through the unknown before anyone else. He also says that, “...a single step can take them through the looking glass into a world that seems entirely different.” This allusion to Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass can put the reader in the shoes of scientists who are thrust into a new world that was previously unexplored, as the reader is most likely more familiar with the children’s book than with the life and work of a scientist. It also can give some insight to who the intended audience of the writing is, someone who would have been well-read. After the scientist learns the basics about what they were researching, “a flood of colleagues will pave the road over the path laid, and those roads will be orderly and straight.” This metaphor compares how easy it is for people to go into the once unknown after at least a little has been found out about it, versus the scientist who had to go into it knowing nothing. It is those who do the former that Barry believes are truly
Core Question 1: What is the purpose of comparing and contrasting several scientists within small excerpts?
Competition is often useful as a means of motivation. However, in the scientific world, competition has the potential to cause many scientists to forget their main purpose in research. The main goal of scientific research is to develop knowledge that will better society. When scientists work together to help each other reach a common goal, science is working as it should.
However, one can argue that not all research findings are to be believed (Hunt, 1987). A good research should capture the problem and find ways to improve in the setting.