'Conspiracy Theory In Belief And Knowledge' By Quinn
“Belief and Knowledge” is an article that to examine science and the discussion of the “hypothesis, model and theory.” (10) However, this essay also resonates at a larger scale; it discusses the concept of conspiracy theories. However, Quinn makes interesting points in “Belief and Knowledge.” Her descriptions of stating scientific facts directly relate to what one must do in writing a literature essay. This article explains the way one should encounter the art of writing literature. When one writes an essay, one needs to have a firm stance on what they are arguing about. This is especially true when one is writing about a conspiracy theory. In the second section of her essay, Quinn says that “For most people a belief is an article of
faith… and as for knowledge – well, that is not very different from belief, except that most people are much more certain of what they believe than of what they know.” (4) This refers to the idea that one should have a firm thesis and support their ideas without any doubts. Quinn says that belief and knowledge aren’t very different, but the extra kick with knowledge gives flavor to a literature essay. “In other words, we need to articulate more precisely the state of our knowledge – its authority or uncertainty.” (5) Another point Quinn mentions is that one should not over- or underclaim the confidence with which we know something. When composing an essay about a conspiracy theory, one cannot be stubborn to view an idea under one scope. Quinn says that “One of the things that makes us scientists is our intricate examination of knowledge.” (7) As human beings, we tend to become emotionally attached to a certain idea, which leads to a very weak essay. By examining both sides of a scenario, one achieves perfection in the art of literature. The necessity of complete and thorough research is highlighted in the text. Quinn discusses how simple facts are not ample enough to be labeled as “research.” “[Research] come[s] from facts, but not just simple observational facts. They come from an amalgam of observation and theory development and testing.” (15) When one examines research for a conspiracy theory research paper, they have to confirm the validity of the sources of their data. Quinn says that once we have solid research, we have a strong essay backed by data. Proofreading papers is one of the most important thing one has to do when one is writing a paper. Most published literature undergoes intense review by the author and his peers. Quinn says that “Experiment not only tests the new hypotheses; any unexplained result both requires and constrains new speculative theory building – new hypotheses.” (16) The author suggests that we need to “experiment” or obtain new ideas to alter existing ones. With peer review, one could gain new ideas and concepts from a different point of view.
faith… and as for knowledge – well, that is not very different from belief, except that most people are much more certain of what they believe than of what they know.” (4) This refers to the idea that one should have a firm thesis and support their ideas without any doubts. Quinn says that belief and knowledge aren’t very different, but the extra kick with knowledge gives flavor to a literature essay. “In other words, we need to articulate more precisely the state of our knowledge – its authority or uncertainty.” (5) Another point Quinn mentions is that one should not over- or underclaim the confidence with which we know something. When composing an essay about a conspiracy theory, one cannot be stubborn to view an idea under one scope. Quinn says that “One of the things that makes us scientists is our intricate examination of knowledge.” (7) As human beings, we tend to become emotionally attached to a certain idea, which leads to a very weak essay. By examining both sides of a scenario, one achieves perfection in the art of literature. The necessity of complete and thorough research is highlighted in the text. Quinn discusses how simple facts are not ample enough to be labeled as “research.” “[Research] come[s] from facts, but not just simple observational facts. They come from an amalgam of observation and theory development and testing.” (15) When one examines research for a conspiracy theory research paper, they have to confirm the validity of the sources of their data. Quinn says that once we have solid research, we have a strong essay backed by data. Proofreading papers is one of the most important thing one has to do when one is writing a paper. Most published literature undergoes intense review by the author and his peers. Quinn says that “Experiment not only tests the new hypotheses; any unexplained result both requires and constrains new speculative theory building – new hypotheses.” (16) The author suggests that we need to “experiment” or obtain new ideas to alter existing ones. With peer review, one could gain new ideas and concepts from a different point of view.