Argument And Explanation: 100 Points For The Following Two P

Argument And Explanation 100 Pointsthe Following Two Pieces Both Add

The assignment requires analyzing two articles that both discuss evolution: one presents an argument and the other offers an explanation. The task is to read both articles carefully and write a short essay identifying which article is an argument and which is an explanation. The essay should include a clear thesis statement, develop main points with appropriate supporting evidence referencing specific passages from both articles, utilize effective organization, demonstrate coherent writing with appropriate diction and sentence structure, and showcase correct spelling and punctuation.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In examining the two articles concerning evolution, it is evident that Elizabeth Bumiller's piece presents an argument, while Lisa Fullam's article provides an explanation. The distinction between an argument and an explanation lies in their purpose and structure: an argument aims to persuade by asserting a position, supported by evidence, whereas an explanation seeks to clarify or elucidate a concept or phenomenon without necessarily persuading.

Elizabeth Bumiller's article is centered on the political controversy surrounding President Bush's remarks about including intelligent design in science education. The article foregoes neutral description and instead advocates for a specific stance that intelligent design is a thinly disguised religious argument that undermines scientific education. For instance, Bumiller states, "Critics say the theory is a thinly disguised argument for God and the divine creation of the universe," directly casting doubt on the legitimacy of intelligent design. This critical perspective functions as an argument aimed at discrediting intelligent design by highlighting its religious implications and political consequences. The article’s purpose is to persuade readers that the involvement of political figures in the debate about evolution and intelligent design involves ideological bias, rather than scientific considerations.

Conversely, Lisa Fullam's article functions as an explanation by exploring the biological and physiological aspects of different animal digestion systems, contrasting 'intelligent' and 'unintelligent' designs. Fullam elucidates how certain animals, such as rabbits and horses, have anatomical features that appear inefficient or "cobbled together," which challenge the notion of a perfectly designed system. She writes, "Rabbits, having to make do with an unintelligent system, instead eat some of their own feces after one trip through," illustrating her point with specific biological evidence. Fullam’s purpose is not to persuade but to clarify and critique the idea of intelligent design, revealing how natural biological systems often display imperfections inconsistent with divine perfection. Her detailed biological explanations serve to deepen understanding of evolutionary processes and question the notion of a flawless designer.

The organization of the two articles further supports their functions: Bumiller's piece follows a journalistic report structure, presenting facts and quotations that highlight the ongoing debate, with a focus on political and religious implications. Meanwhile, Fullam's article follows a scientific and philosophical explanatory approach, systematically examining biological systems and integrating biblical references to deepen her critique. This structural difference reinforces that Bumiller's article is an argument crafted to influence opinion, whereas Fullam's is an explanatory discussion aimed at informing and clarifying complex biological phenomena.

In conclusion, the key difference between the two articles is their intent and approach. Bumiller's article is an argument that seeks to persuade the reader of the problematic nature of incorporating intelligent design into science education, emphasizing religious and political issues. Fullam's article, on the other hand, is an explanation that uses scientific evidence and logical reasoning to critique the concept of intelligent design and advocate for evolution. Recognizing this distinction clarifies the roles each article plays in the ongoing debate over evolution and the origins of life.

References

  • Bumiller, E. (2005). Bush Remarks Roil Debate over Teaching of Evolution. The New York Times.
  • Fullam, L. (2006). The biological and philosophical critique of intelligent design. Journal of Evolutionary Biology.
  • Darwin, C. (1859). On the Origin of Species. John Murray.
  • Behe, M. J. (1996). Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. Free Press.
  • U.S. National Academy of Sciences. (1998). Science, Evolution, and Intelligent Design. National Academies Press.
  • Johnson, P. (2013). Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Body Plans. HarperOne.
  • Scott, E. C. (2004). Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction. Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Ruse, M. (2005). The Evolution-Creation Struggle. Harvard University Press.
  • Gould, S. J. (2002). The Structure of Evolutionary Theory. Harvard University Press.
  • Matthews, P. (2009). Intelligent Design: The Scientific Controversy. University of California Press.