Analysis of Science vs. Medieval Thinking †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Analysis of Science vs. Medieval Thinking. Answer: Overview In the article titled, science vs. medieval thinking, by Tom Spears, the author provides a discussion on the persistent opposition towards vaccines and GM foods. The author argues that one of the greatest impediments to the growth and development of science is societys preference of conspiracy theories and mysteries over evidence and reason. This paper provides an in depth analysis of the article focusing on the key points presented by the author and the intended impact of the article. In providing the analysis the paper will seek to collaborate some of the authors arguments with similar arguments presented by other reputable authors thereby enhancing the credibility of information provided in the article. Analysis In the introductory section of the article, Spears argues that one of the primary reasons as to why diseases like polio and measles which are supposed to be eradicated are still present in some parts of the world is because of societies preference to believe in superstition over science. Spears arguments are collaborated in the article titled, Why Facts Dont Change our Minds, by Elizabeth Kolbert. In the article, the author in references a 1975 study conducted by researchers at Stanford University. The study revealed that in certain situations, people might choose to completely ignore the facts presented to them and instead believe in arguments that bear no logic (Kolbert, 2017). This was seen in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region where efforts by humanitarian organizations to combat polio in the region where being significantly undermined by superstitious beliefs (Superstition frustrates anti-polio efforts: Harvard survey, 2017). A percentage of the local population believed that Polio vaccination was against the teaching of Islam and as a result of this it was improper for them to take their children to get the vaccination (Kai, 2017). These thoughts are also reflected by Mbiyimoh Ghogom in his article titled, Extremist Islamic Superstition Fueling a Resurgence of Polio. In the article the author highlights the fact that in recent years there has been a resurgence of the Polio outbreak in countries like Afghanistan, Somalia and Nigeria where extremist groups like the Taliban and Boko Haram have denounced polio vaccination. The superstitious beliefs are not only associated with Polio but also measles. In some parts of India measles is considered to be a gift from a Goddess and it is believes that huge developmental growth spurts would follow an individual after he/she has been infected (Measles: A Gift from a Goddess?, 2012). These beliefs have significantly impeded vaccination programs against measles in India and other regions across Asia (Yasin, 2012). In his article Tom proceeded to indicate that despite spending billions on research programs, most members of the western society reject the outcome of the research on two key grounds: genetically modified foods and public vaccination programs. The opposition to vaccines and GMOs affect the development of technologies that can benefit the public, and negatively impact social welfare. In the west open of the major drivers of oppositions towards vaccines and GMOs is the societys preference to believe in conspiracy theories instead of facts presented to them. In the west there are a number of theories indicating that GM foods are toxic and harmful especially to individuals who are in cancer prevention and those with autoimmune diseases (Dixon et al., 2016). These theories though baseless have served to significantly erode public confidence in GM foods. The loss of confidence in GM foods has significantly hampered research into food production which in return has resulted in increased food shortages across the world. Toms argument that the persistent opposition to GM foods and Vaccines in the west is driven by a suspicion of technocracy is also supported by Massimiano Buchi in his book, Beyond Technocracy: Science, Politics and Citizens. In the book the author refers to a survey conducted by Eurobarometer which revealed that the primary reason as to why there is opposition to GM foods in Italy and most parts of Europe is because of misrepresentation by the media (Bucchi, 2011). Most media sources have represented GM foods as commodities produced by technocratic governments to negatively affect the populace. In the book, the author indicates that the rapid development and proliferation of technology has led to emergence of fake media outlets that publish information even if the information is not factual. In his article Tom argues that the current society is blind to the facts and instead focuses more on illogical reasoning. A number of studies into media reporting have revealed that a significant percentage of the society would willing fully believe incorrect information if the arguments presented to support this information follows with the societies line of thought (Hodkinson, 2016). The studies revealed that one of the major determinants of whether or not an individual reads an article is the title and because conspiracies have more interesting titles than research articles, most people prefer reading conspiracy articles (Hodkinson, 2016). In his argument Tom indicates that despite a number of conspiracy theories alluding to the dangers of GM foods to consumers, a number of scientific studies have proven that these theories are false. Scientists believe that the debate over the safety of GM foods was concluded by the new trillion meal study which revealed that GM foods are safe and have no negative impacts on the health of the consumer. In the study it was proven that GM Foods are not only safe for consumption but also serve to enhance social welfare. GM foods help to tackle the challenge of food production thereby making it possible for society to easily feed itself in an affordable manner. The benefits of GM foods are also discussed by Tom in his article where he indicates that due to GM foods there has been a increase in societal life expectancy. In conclusion the article by Tom argues that society has chosen to ignore the facts presented by scientific studies and instead focus on unfounded theories. This choice is driven by the fact that most members of the society find it tasking to effectively analyze a report and deduce facts based on the information presented in the report. He argues that in the end of the day even though looking at facts can be more tasking, it is more rewarding than ignoring the facts. References Bucchi, M. (2011).Beyond technocracy science, politics and citizens. Dordrecht: Springer. Dixon, G., McComas, K., Besley, J., Steinhardt, J. (2016). Transparency in the food aisle: the influence of procedural justice on views about labeling GM foods.Journal of Risk Research,19(9), 1158-1171. Hodkinson, P. (2016).Media, culture and society: An introduction. Sage. Kai, K. (2017, July 26). Can skeptical parents be persuaded to vaccinate? Retrieved October 04, 2017, from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/04/can-skeptical-parents-be-persuaded-vaccinate Kolbert, E. (2017, June 19). Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds. Retrieved October 04, 2017, from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/27/why-facts-dont-change-our-minds Measles: A Gift from a Goddess? (2012, September 27). Retrieved October 04, 2017, from https://luckylosing.com/2011/11/13/measles-a-gift-from-a-goddess/ Superstition frustrates anti-polio efforts: Harvard survey. (2017, March 28). Retrieved October 04, 2017, from https://tribune.com.pk/story/1367290/superstition-frustrates-anti-polio-efforts-harvard-survey/ Yasin, A. (2012, October 18). Vaccinators fight superstition alongside polio. Retrieved October 04, 2017, from https://www.dawn.com/news/757562