21W.747.02:  Rhetoric of Science

“The rhetorical view of science does not deny ‘the brute facts of nature’; it merely affirms that these ‘facts,’ whatever they are, are not science itself. . . Whatever they are, the ‘brute facts’ themselves mean nothing; only statements have meaning, and of the truth of statements we must be persuaded. These processes, by which problems are chosen and results interpreted, are essentially rhetorical: only through persuasion are importance and meaning established”
- Alan Gross The Rhetoric of Science, p. 4

This course focuses on the ways that scientists use various methods of persuasion in the construction of scientific knowledge.

We’ll start with discussions about the nature of science and rhetoric. Then, we’ll turn our attention to texts written by scientists and use rhetorical theory to analyze those texts. We will look at the professional scientific research articles and other genres of scientific writing. Finally, we’ll investigate the way that rhetoric plays a role in the everyday life of scientists.

Through class discussions, presentations, and written assignments, you will get to practice your own rhetorical prowess. Through the readings, you’ll also learn some ways to make yourself a more efficient reader, as you use your analytical skills on the texts.