Writing On The Job

The Faigley, Miller article was an interesting one to read, mostly because I am always curious to know how reading and writing influence the economy and the workplaces of the country. Since it was written in 1982 I am not quite as certain how to respond to the conclusions set out in the article -- I am certain things have changed somewhat. Certainly the idea that persons do not dictate anymore and do have their own computers with word processing to write their own letters exists now. It was nice though to see how technology has advanced within my lifetime (born: 1980) and to see that even then their was but a modest emphasis within the culture on writing and communication skills -- reflected perhaps in the colleges and universities that led to the "literacy crisis" of the mid-seventies.

My own experiences with communication skills bumping against the disinterested technology students has lead me to believe in the fundamental necessity of reading and writing and critical analysis skills. I am not certain how to respond to the article because of its age -- I want to be able to read something late enough that I can apply it to the realities of the present. if for only my own sake, as I ponder why I even decided to study Professional Writing in the first place. But what I can readily take from this article is that there still is a difference between on the job writing and off the job writing.

The ways in which we write, as are the motivations and the means in which we do it. Many people write just the same as anyone in the past might have, with journals and lists and as entertainment. But there are more ways to write with new computer technologies (E-Mail, IM) and it seems like we are in an even greater "literacy crisis" now than any time before within the time of the industrial revolution. I am inclined to believe that communication, as viewed as a tool, rightly evolves and changes as technology does. So in that sense, as long as we effectively communicate then all is good, yet I can't get past the idea of proper "effectiveness" and "proper writing." As in there is a "correct" way of writing, spelling, audience, etc. that needs to be taught and emphasized more in school and in the work force.

I think that maybe the best way to ensure the future of writing is to better educate ourselves and our students of the power, influence and necessity of writing. As well, as acknowledging writing in different contexts -- on the job vs. off the job writing so as to better work in both arenas of life. I know for myself, as good, or effective a writer as I believe I am or capable of being, I am ignorant of how to write "practically" and that might be of concern to me or a potential employer. But I'd like to think that I know enough and am capable enough to learn. A background that allows for that to happen is what we should hope for, at least for younger students, especially high school graduates.

rosalind franklin looks like jimmy durante's sister

For starters, since I am currently reading articles about gender – basically feminist studies in technical communication – it is interesting to learn about a female scientist involved in the “discovery” of DNA. Rosalind Franklin was a biophysicist and X-ray crystallographer who contributed to the understanding of the molecular structure of DNA among other things. Her work making X-ray diffraction images of DNA (whatever that means) was the data used by Watson & Crick to develop their hypothesis “regarding the structure of DNA.” For whatever reasons she is lost or obscured in history while her male contributors are remembered and celebrated for their efforts. I don’t know anything well enough to form an opinion about this but I thought bringing it up would be interesting.

I’ll incredibly brief and generalized here. The feminist theorist would, according to Mary M. Lay, like to make known the gender biases inherent in science and technology. These biases, whether intentional or unconscious, give the power to the masculine entity which is thought to have the characteristics suited for science, namely: objectivity and reason. Maybe, had Rosalind Franklin been able to present herself in a more masculine way; write in the masculine language she might have been recognized more for her efforts.

More to the point of the article though, the discussion of kairos is an interesting way to view history for the purposes of rhetoric and technical writing. To be able to criticize Avery for his caution, and aversion to break from the standard of scientific thought comes only in hindsight after someone else has brought about new discovery. In this case, Watson & Crick nine years later. It is a fair argument to look at Avery and his decisions within the context of his time and the time in history. The chronos for him is his time in history and he does exhibit a kairos because he did publish the paper that mentioned DNA as the genetic transfer vehicle in bacteria. Just the same as you can make judgments about Watson & Crick being, perhaps, not cautious enough to appear scientifically prudent. Where Avery was hesitant to jump to conclusions Watson & Crick were more than willing to. Like Avery, Watson & Crick are representative of their time in history and their time in the history of their scientific community. Had they written their paper the same year as Avery what would the response have been? Again, context plays a large role in determining histories discoveries.

Proposal

Dude, I hope this came out alright. I was dealing with uncertainty at every turn. Bon Soir!

English 505
Justin Blumberg
Proposal

I have chosen to pursue a rhetorical analysis of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), its purposes, and its benefits and its criticisms. The ESA was passed into law in 1973 with the intent that it would preserve those species of life that were in the most need for species survival. The benefits and successes of the ESA have competed with the controversies and oppositions that have developed because of it. It is a very complicated issue to unpack, one that has influential roots back to the earliest days of the US nation, including cultural implications founded by Native Americans, early European settlers, immigrants, myth and folklore, environmental concerns, religion, commerce and economies, the rights of citizens and landowners, corporate concerns, and of course, the ‘rights of nature.’ The ESA was born out of a collective national insight into the need for the government and the citizenry to take an active role in the stewardship of the animal and plant species of the country.

I believe that the best course of action for this paper would be for me to explore the document that makes up the Endangered Species Act, and use whatever insights I may glean to establish a backdrop for further discussion. The breadth of the potential areas of rhetorical exploration makes me hesitant to take on a line of discussion that would prove to be too winding and thorny. It might be more useful for our purposes for me to focus my attention on the nature of the ESA and its causes and effects on the wildlife it serves and the causes and effects of the country it imposes itself on. There is great support for the ESA where people of all kinds, from government officials, environmentalists, scientists, and landowners believe there is a need for human intervention in the preservation of our natural resources – and would even claim that there is need for the ESA, and, as such, the Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (FWS/NMFS), to be granted greater powers. On the other hand, opponents of the ESA would argue that the ESA has too much power as it is, and is not serving the benefit of the human population in this country.

Opposing argumentation like this could be enough to frame my paper but I feel like it would be best if I included analysis and discussion of the ESA as a whole. I would like to specifically touch on: What is the Endangered Species Act? How does the ESA work? Include discussions on the listing and delisting process; discuss the support and opposition arguments toward the ESA; and possibly include as an example a particular animal or case as support.

What Is The ESA?

The Endangered Species Act was born out of earlier attempts by the US government and its citizens to preserve wildlife, plant species, and habitat. It is a federal law, passed in 1973, which “bans the hunting or killing of endangered species and protects against significant habitat loss” (Salzman 277). The idea behind the law was to establish an institutional, wide ranging means for wildlife conservation. It was out of a growing national consciousness of the beauty, usefulness, and preciousness of the natural world which prompted the creation of this unique and influential law. Let us now look at some of the text that comprises the ESA.

The following is an excerpt from the Endangered Species Act Section 2:

(a) FINDINGS. – The Congress finds and declares that –
(1) various species of fish, wildlife, and plants in the United States have been rendered extinct as a consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation;
(2) other species of fish, wildlife, and plants have been so depleted in numbers that they are in danger of or threatened with extinction;
(3) these species of fish, wildlife, and plants are of aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people;
(4) the United States has pledged itself as a sovereign state in the international community to conserve to the extent practicable the various species of fish or wildlife and plants facing extinction,…

The language in this text can be interpreted as an appeal to reason. There does not appear to be any overly demonstrative, or emotionally provocative language. It seems to me that it is written very clearly, succinctly and directed toward a large audience – speaking for a specific group of persons residing in a speech community that can understand the reasons for the Act. Despite the structure of the document being of a specific discourse community it still serves its purpose of explaining Congress’ rationale for the ESA.

I will follow next with an explanation of how the ESA works and an analysis of another section the ESA document.

How Does The ESA Work?

The ESA is enforced by two separate federal agencies who share administrative responsibilities. “The Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) within the Department of the Interior is responsible for protecting terrestrial and avian species and freshwater fish. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the Department of Commerce takes responsibility for maritime species, including anadromous fish such as salmon” (Salzman 280). Either the FWS/NMFS can, of their own initiative, place a species on the endangered species list, or it may receive petitions from outside organizations or individuals.

These decisions are based on scientific data that are taken into consideration by the Department of the Interior. Whether a species is in danger of extinction and therefore should be listed, or if it is determined that populations of listed species has risen to healthy, recovered levels then that species can be removed from the list. Below is a section of the ESA document that details further how decisions to list a species are made.

SEC. 4
(a) GENERAL – (1) The Secretary shall by regulation promulgated in accordance with subsection (b) determine whether any species is an endangered species or a threatened species because of any of the following factors:
(A) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range;
(B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes;
(C) disease or predation;
(D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms;
(E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence…

Again, with the document here we have an instance of rational appeal. The need for articulation is apparent in that this document is spelling out for the reader or interpreter the process for determining what is an endangered or threatened species. There isn’t an argument here to be won or lost, but a presentation of a structure, an ideal, or a belief which needs to be received and understood by all relevant entities which would read this, or be prosecuted because of this.

Now that the ESA is presented and explained enough for our purposes I think it would be best to conclude the paper with a discussion of the benefits, or successes of the Act in contrast with its oppositions. I believe that the controversies that have dogged the ESA from its beginning provide an opportunity to analyse the rhetoric used by those on either side of support for the ESA.

Arguments In Support Of And Against The ESA

Much of the proponents for the ESA are made up of a wide-ranging cross-section of the US population, which include government officials, private citizens, landowners, environmentalists and scientists. There are numerous reasons for why persons choose to support the ESA and want to help it thrive. Some reasons include: belief that it is humankind’s natural position to be steward of the natural world; an intellectual understanding of how all of life fits together in a larger ecosystem – how all of life is, ultimately, interdependent; an emotional connection to the natural world and wildlife – the thought of impermanence is scary; the empathy for a fellow living creature suffering is strong and influential. These are persons who see the value in maintaining a healthy natural environment where all of nature’s creatures can co-exist to the other’s benefit.

Considered of great value with this is biodiversity “which constitutes the overall community of organisms within a habitat and the physical conditions under which they live” (Salzman 279). By having biodiversity we humans can benefit from “detoxification and decomposition of wastes, purification of air and water, generation and renewal of soil and soil fertility, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, control of harmful agricultural pests, support of cultural activities, and provision of aesthetic beauty and pleasure” (Salzman 280). Obviously, what benefits us makes us more inclined to promote that of which we benefit from. Put more simply, humans will be more supportive of preserving natural habitats if doing so proves a significant value to our lives.

A lot of the opposition seems to stem from persons who see the power of the FWS/NMFS as Big Government interfering with the lives and livelihoods of the citizenry. The ESA has the ability to restrict what landowners can do to or with their land if it is deemed that an endangered species’ habitat might be destroyed thus harming the endangered species. This could effect how a landowner, especially a farmer conducts business. For example, will they be able to till their land or fell trees on their property if doing so destroys habitat? This same power effects the government and corporate businesses too, preventing them from constructing things like dams, shopping centers or other business enterprises if it interferes with the ability of an endangered species to thrive. Moreover, there is concern from hunters and fisherman when they are unable to legally hunt for either personal or commercial purposes.

Through examples of documents and case studies that represent these different opinions about the Endangered Species Act it can make understanding why these arguments work, or if at all. Part of my consideration for this is to focus on Congressional hearings, cases brought to the courts, especially the Supreme Court, and choosing a particular species, for example the Brown Pelican who has had some attention from the FWS/NMFS in the past.

I will try to make the ESA connect to examples of FWS/NMFS in action, and hopefully in doing so I will be able to make connections to my audience. It is important that I am able to discover the rhetorical devices that have helped construct the attitudes behind the ESA and that promote its means and ends to a citizenry with sundry motivations and opinions about conservation or environmental degradation. Though those terms alone could be put under the microscope of rhetorical analysis. Those who oppose the ESA may not like to think that they are somehow ‘evil’ or anti-conservationists, but perhaps are promoting the welfare of the country in a different way. This course of discussion though may be best explored in a different paper. For now, I would like to confine my research to the topics outlined above.



Bibliography
Magoc, Chris J. Environmental Issues In American History: A Reference Guide With Primary Documents. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2006.

Salzman, James, and Barton H. Thompson, Jr. Environmental Law and Policy, 2nd Ed. New York: Foundation Press, 2007.

ESA Proposal Notes

Here are my founding notes of which i will compose my proposal with. I am still uncertain exactly what my main focus is, at least how that would become in context of this class. I have a series of questions at the top of the page that have guided my research and are how i am currently planning on designing my final paper.

Endangered Species Act

What is it?
How does it work?
How and Why are species placed on the list?
How and Why are they removed from the list?
Arguments in support of the ESA
Arguments opposed to the ESA
An animal example: Brown Pelican?

What is the ESA?

A federal law which “bans the hunting or killing of endangered species and protects against significant habitat loss.” Does not “effectively address the problem of exotic species…[it] provides no protection to a species until that species is in serious danger of extinction.” “Rather than protecting species or ecosystems when they are healthy, the ESA waits until a species is on the brink of extinction.” Was passed into law in 1973 and signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon.

Purposes [of the ESA] – “The purposes of this Act are to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend may be conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of such endangered species and threatened species, and to take such steps as may be appropriate to achieve the purposes of the treaties and conventions set forth in subsection (a) of this section.”

How does it Work?

“The Secretary shall by regulation…determine whether any species is an endangered species or a threatened species because of any of the following factors:
(A) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range;
(B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes;
(C) disease or predation;
(D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms;
(E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence…”

“Two federal agencies split administrative responsibilities under the ESA. The Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) within the Department of the Interior is responsible for protecting terrestrial and avian species and freshwater fish. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the Department of Commerce takes responsibility for maritime species, including anadromous fish such as salmon.”

Listing Process

“The ESA protects only those species that the FWS lists as either endangered or threatened. A species is endangered if the FWS finds that it is “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” A species is threatened if it is :likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future.” “

“Under section 4 of the ESA, the FWS can decide to list a species on its own initiative, or an individual or organization can petition to list the species. In deciding whether to list a species, the FWS sometimes must decide what a species is. If a flower is very similar to a known species but the flower appears to have slightly smaller petals, for example, is the flower a separate species? If two separate plant species combine to reproduce, is the resulting plant a new and distinct species or merely a hybrid? Unfortunately, the ESA does not define the term “species” or address these issues.”

“The ESA tries to keep economic and political considerations out of listing decisions. Under the ESA, FWS must determine within 90 days of receiving a listing petition whether the petition presents sufficient evidence to pursue a full review of the species’ status and must decide within a year of that determination whether to list a species.”

Delisting Process

The purpose of the ESA is, ultimately, not to just list endangered species but to restore endangered populations so they can be taken off the list. “As of mid-2006, only 42 species had been “delisted.” Nine of these species, moreover, were delisted because they are now extinct. Another 18 were delisted because of taxonomic revisions, new information, or changes in the ESA. The FWS and NMFS had delisted only 15 species because the species had sufficiently recovered to be removed from protection.”

Arguments supporting the ESA

“Under some biocentric views of nature, species have an intrinsic right to exist and thrive, and humans have an obligation to respect that right. Many religions, moreover, believe that humans have an ethical obligation to be careful stewards of nature.” There have been motivations in preserving species for potential genetic value – the hope that through research of these present species drugs and treatments may be derived to cure human ailments.

Of greater value, “biodiversity (which constitutes the overall community of organisms within a habitat and the physical conditions under which they live) provides a wide range of “ecosystem services” of immense importance to humans. These services include detoxification and decomposition of wastes, purification of air and water, generation and renewal of soil and soil fertility, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, control of harmful agricultural pests, support of cultural activities, and provision of aesthetic beauty and pleasure.

Arguments opposing the ESA

“Policy makers attack the ESA for restricting new land development, angering property owners and local governments. In the western USA, the ESA has reduced the amount of water that farmers and cities can divert from rivers and other waterways. The ESA also constrains the federal government’s freedom to build dams and freeways, to develop timber, petroleum, and other natural resources, and to take a variety of other actions of importance to various political constituencies.”

“should the ESA balance the benefits of preserving a species against the economic costs of preservation. Where habitat is located on private land, property owners cannot use their land in a way that would appreciably reduce the likelihood that the species will survive and recover, no matter how valuable the land use.”

Endangered Me List

As much as I had wanted to pursue writing a paper about the relationship between rhetoric and sign language, or the deaf community I have decided to write about the Endangered Species Act. When I made attempts at discovering resource material for what I may want to write about regarding sign language and rhetoric I wasn't able to find anything that really seemed useful or interesting.  For awhile, I thought that my idea was so unique, so brilliant that I was the first person to have thought to investigate how rhetoric applies toward the deaf community, or if it even does. There is a lack of acknowledgement from previous generations regarding minority forms of communication -- Aristotle certainly hadn't considered rhetoric anything but an oral or written exercise.  There still is a divide between speaking culture and the silent culture of the deaf.  I thought for sure that this would be a successful endeavor -- fertile ground for exploration, yet I could find nothing that directly dealt with sign language and the study of rhetoric.  I don't feel qualified to begin writing a massive aper in less than a semester piecing together a quilt or mosaic of information to tell a story or impart some information, certainly without having any personal experience to rely on.

I was able to find more information about endangered species and the Endangered Species Act. I believe that I can find more suitable information easier and therefore helped make my decision.  I don't yet have a thesis, but I am hoping to have one soon.  That will help me sort through the resource material wiser and with a more critical eye.

Deduction By Inductive Scientific Theory

Holy balls, this was messed up. My efiin' brain melted and my head exploded....there were swans and pasta on the wall....

Empirical sciences are characterized by the fact that they use 'inductive methods.'

The problem of induction is that "The Problem of Induction' is so darn hard to read/understand. Man, oh, man i feel like reading Aristotle went better.  One thing that helps is that key sentences are underlined. For fun's sake, here is a sample sentence: "A principle of induction would be a statement with the help of which we could put inductive inferences into a logically acceptable form." It goes on like this for, like, ever -- sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph. Nonetheless, let me try to talk about what Sir Karl Popper is writing about.

"A scientist puts forward statements, or systems of statements, and tests them step by step. Within empirical science he constructs hypotheses, or systems of theories, and tests them against experience by observation and experiment. Popper argues that the role of the logic of scientific discovery is to provide a logical analysis of the method of the empirical sciences."

"Now I hold that scientific theories are never fully justifiable or verifiable." Dude, basically, so it seems to me, this Popper guy has issues with everything that scientists do from a philosophical or communicative manner. There are "Fundamental Problems" galore. He approves of philosophers like Kant, et al who have a strong sense of meta operations/considerations. Now, I am having such a hard time following this chapter and digesting everything, sort of how Aristotle just packs so much information, or at least words/ideas, that it's fair to say that i don't know squat. I am going to assume that Sir Mr. Popper is right but like a lot of theory i have read or experienced throughout college i have to wonder why it's important if it is not vital to institute; to employ in an effort to reform.

These scientists of all kinds are, apparently, not capable of grasping the multiple layers and dimensions of the words of their statements and theories and their larger, philosophical and practical effects. If the statements that Popper speaks of are not testable then how is anything understood or accomplished at all? How do toasters even exist? Can anyone explain that to me? Math seems to be translatable without much trouble.  Equations are universal and testable. The answer is the answer which is a right or wrong answer. Thus, voila!, somehow we get to measure or view the atom, or the DNA model. Oh well, i guess Popper fears for us. Something bad is gonna happen -- I've deduced it inductively.

When Pity and Indignation Collide

My notes for Aristotle book 2 chapters 9 & 12

Aristotle, Book 2

Chapter 9 & 12 Notes

Chapter 9: To Nemesan, or Being Indignant

Definition of Being Indignant and its Relation to Other Emotions

[1] Pity and indignation both arise from the same moral character, both are of good character. Indignation is most opposed to pity. It is the counter to eliminating feelings of pity from an audience.

[2] It is right to sympathize with and pity those who suffer undeservedly. It is right to feel indignation towards those who undeservedly fare well. Whatever is contrary to deserts is unjust.

[3] Envy seems like indignation, in that it opposes pity it is different. Because it is agitated pain and directed at success of an equal and a like not of someone who is unworthy.

[4] The opposite emotional reaction is true when good things happen to those who deserve it it is right to rejoice just as it is right to rejoice when bad things happen to those who deserve it.

[5] Understanding emotions well and all of the circumstances and motivations behind them will help the rhetor counteract feelings of pity or whatever contrary emotion.

Those Toward Whom Indignation is Felt and its Causes

[6] What is being indignant? Explain

[7] Indignant equals "being distressed at the evidence of unworthy success." Which means that it is impossible to be indignant at all good things.

[8] No one will feel indignation if someone is just or brave the deserve good things.

[9] New money vs. old money argument. Old money might become indignant towards new money.

[10] More thoughts on the justice of new money having increased benefits from their newly acquired status, etc. old money is more natural and right.

[11]Indignation arises when someone who is good does not attain what is fitting, example: distinguished marriages fit the wellborn, not the newly rich.

[12] Indignation arises when someone feels someone who I not their equal has attained similar or the same advantages.

[13] Indignation arises when virtuous and serious persons witness unjust things.

[14] Indignation arises when ambitious and desirous persons desire things not worthy for others.

[15] The servile, the worthless, and the unambitious are not given to indignation because they don't regard themselves as worthy.

Chapter 12: Introduction; the Character of the Young

In this chapter Aristotle gives the stereotypical Greek view of young men as pleasure-loving, and optimistic.

Discussion on kinds of character, in terms of emotions (anger, desire, etc.) habits (virtues, vices) age of life (youth, prime, and old age) and fortune (good birth, wealth, powers, their opposites, good fortune and misfortune).

[3] The young are prone to desires and inclined to do whatever they desire especially sex

[4] The young are changeable and fickle and are quickly satisfied for they desire sharply not massively.

[5] The young are impulsive and quick-tempered, unable to resist their impulses become indignant if they feel like they've been done a wrong.

[6] Youth long for superiority. Victory over honor, they do not want for money.

[7] Basically, youth are inexperienced. They are guileless not cynical, and trusting

[8] Youth are filled with hopes, live for hope for it is the future and are easily deceived

[9] Youth are more courageous they're too young to have fear, etc.

[10] Sensitive to shame because they have been educated by convention.

[11] Youth are magnanimous for they have not yet been worn down by life think themselves worthy of great things.

[12] Youth do fine things rather than things advantageous to themselves.

[13] Youth are fond of friends and socializing they do not judge based on advantage.

[14] Youth act on excess and vehemence.  [15] Youth commit wrongs from insolence not maliciousness