The assigned reading for this Tumblr post was titled: Rhetoric, Knowledge, and âThe Brute Facts of Natureâ In Science Research. It is Chapter 9 of the overall article: Writing in Knowledge Societies and discusses the important relationship between rhetoric and reality and how it influences the creation of scientific knowledge. Rhetoric is an art of expression in which an individual uses compositional techniques to effectively persuade a target audience through speech or writing. The author of the chapter, Heather Gross takes a positive stand on the use of rhetoric within scientific communities and its influential importance in the development of knowledge. Scientific discoveries are based on evidence that has been acquired from experiments and studies conducted in which that evidence supports a claim and thus becomes a fact. Â However, scientists and researchers acknowledge âconventional wisdomâ as discussed within Rhetoric, Knowledge, and âThe Brute Facts of Natureâ In Scientific Research. Conventional wisdom defines that a theory, belief, opinion, judgement or prediction about a particular matter may be generally accepted as truth due to the support of related ideas and explanations. Conventional wisdom is not necessarily true, but is applied towards the introduction of new theories and explanations and thus a process of acceptance for newly acquired information.
The article also starts off by focusing on the word âmetonymyâ which is defined as the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant. A perfect example of metonymy is âthe pen is mightier than the swordâ in which âthe penâ is substituted for meaning thought and reason, while âthe swordâ is a reflection of physical warfare. Thus, that phrase states that knowledge and critical thinking is advantageous compare to a reaction of brute physical strength.
Metonymy is further discussed and studied in the reading within the realm of physics and how that word relates to science and the influence of the facts of nature. However, with that comes the danger of accepting something as truth without having the proper evidence to support it. This is due to that subject being compared to a similar theme that is less complex in order to prove its meaning. In this case, the article mentions how other scientists within communities use metonymy as more of a metaphor and tool that can assist a scientist in research, but must be used wisely and properly.
I enjoyed reading Rhetoric, Knowledge and âThe Brute Facts of Natureâ In Scientific Research due to acknowledging that rhetoric is important within the realm of science and research. It is essential that scientists become curious and eager to explore new and untouched fields of study with support from past similar evidence. That being said, new research must then be conducted in order to prove the factual claim of any new discovery, theory or idea. Rhetoric plays a major role as factual information and supported theories become very persuasive and effective in establishing truth.
As discussed in a previous reading: Multimodal Composing and Woman, Rhetoric, and Politics on Pinterest, humans compose ideas, thoughts, and emotions through the influence of their individual life experiences. Scientific discoveries are constantly being updated as they are challenged by the progression of time. New ideas, thoughts, and theories adapt as scientists from all walks of life bring forth their own opinions and conduct their own studies on previous information that was considered factual. I believe this to be an extremely important opportunity for revealing new discoveries that will help mankind increase the understanding and reality of our world.
I used a visual GIF that relates to theme discussed as it visually reflects my feelings and thoughts on the subject at hand. I used text to write down informative sentences on what the reading was based on and to further provide detail of my own understandings.Â
