Taking Sides Analysis Report
Was Darwin Wrong? - David Quammen
1. Scientists accept the theory of evolution but despite all the evidence, a large portion of Americans don't.
2. Three facts presented: 1. Theories have been proven to a large degree and are accepted as fact by scientists. 2. About 45% of Americans reject the theory of evolution. 3. About 37% of Americans believe in both God and evolution.
3. Three opinions presented: 1. Author implied that only fundamentalist Christians and Orthodox Jews reject evolution. 2. Author implied that the majority of the population believes in most other theories, but not evolution. 3. People who are "skeptical by nature," "unfamiliar with science," and "unaware of the evidence" don't believe in evolution.
4. Author used logic in this article. He also used phrases that made it sound like people would be crazy not to believe in evolution.
5. 1. If we accept other theories (such as atomic theory) then we should accept evolution. 2. If we believe in the bible, we probably won't believe in evolution.
6. 1. I think he is correct, many theories we can't prove but are logical. 2. Probably true, but he does mention that 37% believe in both.
7. a. Distortion of Information: His information seemed accurate and factual.
b. Faulty Analogy: Maybe a little too strong on Christian/religious=anti-evolution. Though it's mostly true, it's not completely accurate.
c. Oversimplification: NA
d. Stereotyping: Religious people don't accept evolution.
e. Faulty Generalization: NA
8. The author is fairly credible considering he writes for a very credible magazine - National Geographic.
9. We talked about Darwin and his theories and the outrage he caused among many people of his time.
