summary
Tutorial 7
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
In this lesson we will look at the concept of scientific controversy and examine a scientific controversy for its main arguments. Then, we will look at the structure of an argumentative essay in order to develop awareness of its structure, and in particular how the introduction and the body paragraphs are developed.
1. What is a scientific controversy?
they argue about scientific claims. However, just because two scientists disagree it doesn’t mean there is a controversy. A scientific controversy necessarily involves a sustained debate within the broader scientific community which is supported by data. When scientists disagree, it is often because of contradicting data or contradicting interpretations of data or they may disagree on the method of data collection or analysis. To qualify as a controversy, a significant number of people must be actively engaged in research that addresses the controversy over time. Scientists engaged in such scientific debate often share some fundamental knowledge and agree that the subject matter is worth being concerned about and that the various arguments are legitimate.
In the scientific community arguments are recognized as legitimate when they are based on data. Data is needed to support the claims/points of view that the scientists wish to advance. An argument must explain the majority of data available – not just the data collected to support one side. As such, scientists need to do a thorough and credible study in order to have convincing data to argue the point.
Though controversies may be discussed in informal settings, the real debate is carried out at research meetings and through the publication of journal articles. In this way, the debate becomes part of the scientific literature and helps science to progress. There is no authoritative body in
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
In this lesson we will look at the concept of scientific controversy and examine a scientific controversy for its main arguments. Then, we will look at the structure of an argumentative essay in order to develop awareness of its structure, and in particular how the introduction and the body paragraphs are developed.
1. What is a scientific controversy?
they argue about scientific claims. However, just because two scientists disagree it doesn’t mean there is a controversy. A scientific controversy necessarily involves a sustained debate within the broader scientific community which is supported by data. When scientists disagree, it is often because of contradicting data or contradicting interpretations of data or they may disagree on the method of data collection or analysis. To qualify as a controversy, a significant number of people must be actively engaged in research that addresses the controversy over time. Scientists engaged in such scientific debate often share some fundamental knowledge and agree that the subject matter is worth being concerned about and that the various arguments are legitimate.
In the scientific community arguments are recognized as legitimate when they are based on data. Data is needed to support the claims/points of view that the scientists wish to advance. An argument must explain the majority of data available – not just the data collected to support one side. As such, scientists need to do a thorough and credible study in order to have convincing data to argue the point.
Though controversies may be discussed in informal settings, the real debate is carried out at research meetings and through the publication of journal articles. In this way, the debate becomes part of the scientific literature and helps science to progress. There is no authoritative body in