Without our thinking domain, people would not even be aware of stem cell research. Our thinking domain involves various forms of communication such as oral, visual, and written communication. All of these methods are used when it comes to stem cell research, and that is why it is currently such a popular and controversial topic in our country.
There are many different examples that come with each form of communication. When a speech, rally, or debate is taking place about stem cell research, then that is a form of oral communication. If there are commercials or advertisements about stem cell research, then that is a form of visual communication. However, the form of communication that I am most familiar with is written communication. As I researched stem cell research, I found a very wide variety of articles and journals, and it was interesting to see the different ways it was communicated. Some articles are written more toward a popular audience, while others are written more towards experts on the subject. The popular articles used language that was easily understandable to everyone, but the scientific journals used more sophisticated language that is hard for the average person to comprehend without significant concentration. Both types of articles portrayed their particular views effectively, but they just used different language to get their point across. The scientific articles used more hard facts with many different tests and experiments as evidence. The popular articles still used facts to support their claims, but they did not include all of the tedious details. Although the popular articles seem like a better read, scientific articles work better if you really want to become educated on the subject of stem cell research, or any subject for that matter.
No matter how stem cell research is communicated, it is obvious that the topic is controversial. The primary issue I saw with stem cell research is morality. Especially when it comes to embryonic stem cell research, many people think it is morally wrong. Those against it say that if researchers didn’t do tests on the embryos that they would eventually become a human being, and therefore they are committing murder. People for the research argue that if the research didn’t take place, then the embryos would be discarded, and therefore they wouldn’t become a human being anyway. Each side of this issue is communicated effectively through various forms of communication such as articles, advertisements, commercials, etc.
I believe that the different methods of communication work the best depending on what type of information a person is searching for. If someone just wants to know what is currently happening with stem cell research, then an advertisement or a commercial would work best. If a person wants to develop a quick opinion on the subject, then a popular article would suffice. But if a person really wants to become educated about stem cell research, then they should listen to a debate or read a scientific journal. When it comes to the controversial issues, I am personally for embryonic stem cell research. I understand what people opposing stem cell research are arguing; developing embryos will eventually become a human being, and I do believe that it is wrong to destroy them. However, if the embryos are going to be discarded anyway, then I don’t see the problem with using them to benefit science and medicine.
Great post Kelsi. You did a good job pointing out and going into detail on what each aspect of our thinking domain is. You also did a good job of tying in the main arguments of stem cell research.
ReplyDeleteI lied that you thoroughly explained each part and tied each back into stem cell reasearch. I liked the part where you said the mode of communication depends on what youre looking for
ReplyDeleteI liked your last paragraph. Especially the part about if someone really wants to learn about SCR they need to listen to a debate or read a scientific journal. That is very true. You can't argue if you don't know the real facts.
ReplyDelete