Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Michael Schafer
Engl 2010
February 7, 2008
Short Assignment 2
In Cloning Misperceptions by Lee M. Silverman several falsehoods about cloning are addressed. Silverman addresses the misperception that cloning is a cheaper imitation of humans and how that is not true. Then Silverman goes on to discuss the common misperception that cloned beings would not have a soul and he says that this too is untrue. Silverman uses ethos, pathos and logos to achieve his purpose.
First, Silverman uses ethos to help convince the audience that cloning is not as bad as people think it is. The author first establishes his credibility in the fact that he is a professor of molecular biology at Princeton University. In order to become a professor you have to know what you are talking about. The fact that the author sounds like he knows what he is talking about throughout the article also add to his credibility. He does not make any absurd statements but sticks to the facts.
Next, Silverman uses logos to show the audience that cloning is not as harmful as people think it is. Silverman gives several examples throughout the article of where common misperceptions may come from or what common misperceptions have influence over. He lists movies such as Blade Runner and Multiplicity as movies that may have caused misperceptions of cloning. Silverman gives his audience of what people view cloning as and what cloning actually is. This helps his argument as he will compare the falsehood with what is right. He then goes on to talk about Brave New World and the misperception in it or the misperception that it may have caused. He discusses the fact that a uniform society is no longer relevant and that it would take a totalitarian government to produce it and even then it is extremely unlikely and he gives reasons why it is unlikely.
Finally, Silverman also uses pathos to further his point. I feel that he uses this strategy minimally. When he does use pathos he...

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