Why We Need To Understand Science Essay

“Why We Need To Understand Science” is an essay written by Carl Sagan that argues the importance and relevance of science to the upcoming generations in the United States. In Sagan’s thesis he states, “The submediocre performance of American youngsters in science and math, and the widespread adult ignorance and apathy about science and math, should sound an urgent alarm”. The primary form of appeal was logos, and the secondary form of appeal was ethos.

The purpose of Sagan’s argument was to illustrate a lack of understanding of science and technology in modern society. As scientific breakthroughs and discoveries are made, they are often left only being understood my scientists. The general public has very little insight into parts of science that have an impact on everyday life. Sagan claims this ignorance will prove detrimental to society in later generations.

The author gives great explanation as to why the United States as a whole is falling behind the rest of the world in education. Sagan states, “And so science (and other) teaching is too often incompetently or uninspiringly done, practitioners...having little or no training in their subjects” awakens the audience to the vital overhaul needed in education. Sagan also raises a valid point, “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology”. Readers can easily relate to this statement, because working technology has become an essential part of everyday life. Innovation in technology is growing so rapidly that it is nearly impossible to become acquainted with it without further