Review of RHETORICAL ANALYSIs
The article “You Must Not ‘Do Your Own Research’ When It Comes To Science” is a
piece highlighting the pitfalls of pseudo-research, and the very real dangers it can create. The
author, Ph.D. astrophysicist Ethan Siegel, forms a unique method of rhetoric to battle this
growing concern of misinformation. Instead of employing the traditional do better research
tropes, Siegel argues that laypeople shouldn’t perform any research at all and trust the scientific
consensus. With Siegel himself being a pioneer and lecturer in the realm of astrophysics, it
seems plausible to view that his efforts were motivated due to the direct consequences scientific
misinformation had on the spiraling SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As COVID-19 (C19) began its
global chokehold, Ethan Siegel felt it time to broadcast his work in hopes to reinspire scientific
trust by engaging in logical arguments reinforced by his extensive reputation.
I’m sure we can all remember the chaos brought forth from the encompassing C19. Even
today we are still managing ripples leftover from the impacts. On March 11th, 2020, the World
Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the C19 a pandemic (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, 2022). This seems relevant since Siegel’s article was published a mere four
months later. There have been moderate upticks in scientific distrust in modern times, and it
appears Seigel provided this article to directly combat that mistrust.
Due to the nature of the modern political beast, topics such as the practical safety
measures to combat C19 can feel politically involved and convoluted, yet the author never
invokes any political references. I believe this is deliberate, and our author is aware that
disclosing any political affiliation will have an adverse effect on his objective. When an author
invokes a political association, they are guaranteeing one market audience, while inevitably
alienating the other. I think Siegel is aware of this tactic and purposefully avoids it, and instead
tries to free political ideologies from scientific processes.
Anytime a pioneering science activist attempts to inform the public, their reputation is the
first marker to easily discredit and dismiss their assertions. But when a proponent of such ideals
is vetted and found to be well-researched in a scientific area, that can sometimes instill a level of
reverence and respect towards the author. This is exactly the case with Siegel. He is a published
author, Ph.D. astrophysicist, and a college professor (Big Think, n.d.). His background creates a
level of comfortability for the audience to trust and support his insights.
Concepts like the one this article is addressing — attacking misinformation and science
denial – are becoming increasingly important. Although the subject matter has been addressed
before, Seigel’s tone and contextualization are inspiringly different. It’s important to rhetorically
analyze works such as this to improve and adapt one’s style, with the intent to reach their target
audience more effectively.
