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In "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats, Yeats uses allusions, symbols, and vivid imagery to convey his cynical and despondent tone about the new evil, corrupt, and immoral era following World War I. Yeats begins the poem with an image of a "widening gyre" or a vortex of spiraling motion. This image immediately implies the chaos and disorder in a society that is spiraling wider and wider out of control and becoming more corrupt. Yeats elaborates on and supports this idea with "Things fall apart; the center cannot hold" and "Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world" to further symbolize how the universe is collapsing with confusion and the absence of principles. Yeats also implies the danger and disaster to come with an image of a falcon who "cannot hear the falconer" to further illustrate suspense and danger that humanity is facing. This image also suggests that similar to the falcon that is flying around in a "widening gyre, society has wandered too far away from its morals and is doomed with curruption. Yeats continues his cynical tone with "everywhere the ceremony of innocenc...

Dr. Greger’s Vehement Atkins Critique Fails the Test of Science

The vehement and vitriol-filled critique of the Atkins diet By Dr. Michael Greger contains plenty of criticism, but almost no science. Despite his litany of experts’ opinions, Dr. Greger offers no scientific basis for his criticism, and his arguments against the diet are sometimes quite specious. Dr. Gregor offers little more than a litany of â€Å"authorities† whose prima fascia condemnations of the Atkins Diet also fail the fundamental tests of science, and in many cases, illustrate the ignorance of those offering critique. Officials such as the President of the American College of Nutrition, as well as the unnamed chief health officer of Maryland are quoted with out-of-context condemnations of the diet that offer no insight as to how their conclusions are made. Chairs of various medical departments are similarly quoted, condemning the Atkins Diet as â€Å"nonsense† whose author is committing â€Å"malpractice. † In a transparent attempt at â€Å"fairness†, Dr. Greger offers some of Atkins own public statements in support of his diet, and subjects them to ridicule. Also read this  Critique of Stuff Is Not Salvation He counters Atkins’ dismissal of nutritionists by reciting another litany of professionals who have criticized the diet. Mr. Greger’s argument seems to boil down to: â€Å"here’s a list of smart people who agree with me. † Sadly, Dr. Greger’s criticism could have been done in several far more effective ways with the simple application of basic scientific method. He would have been wiser to conduct a study and offer a conclusion based on evidence, rather than relying on unsubstantiated statements by other authorities. Dr. Greger offers two hypotheses, both of which could be tested using the scientific method. The lesser of the two hypotheses is that the Atkins Diet is ineffective in its stated goal of sustained weight loss. The best way to do this would be with a controlled study of two groups, each of whom would use the Atkins Diet for a fixed period of time. Then one group, the experimental one, would continue with the diet, while the control group would abandon it. Continuing monitoring of the weight situation would then indicate whether this diet was effective in the long term, whether a person continues it or not. There are several pitfalls that one could run up against in such an experiment. First, the subject group must be one that is not using any other method of weight control (i. e. exercise, pills, etc. ). Since such a study would, by definition, be longitudinal, the experimenter would have to rely on self-report on this and other aspects of controlling variables. It is well known that self-report can yield questionable results when utilized as the sole measure of variables, particularly in an emotionally charged subject such as weight-loss. The primary dangers could be misreporting diet activities out of embarrassment. Randomization across groups should limit the corruption of data as a result of such considerations. In addition to the practical limits with long-term studies, such as subjects dropping out, and limited sample Dr. Greger in particular would be wise to be aware of the possibly of observer bias, or design bias. His own strong opinions of the efficacy and risks to the subjects of this diet would be likely to taint his conclusions and possibly the methodology itself. The second and more sweeping of Dr. Greger’s hypotheses is the notion that the Atkins Diet is hazardous to the health of the practitioners. Direct experimentation or even observation of existing data would be extremely problematic. Obviously, subjecting Human subjects to a hypothetically harmful diet would be considered to be unethical, and basing conclusions on antidotal or even â€Å"case study† data contains its own sets of hazards. In Dr. Greger’s case, he would be almost certain to â€Å"cherry-pick† cases that support his hypothesis. This may prove to be especially difficult given that most people, upon developing negative health consequences from a diet, would likely stop using the diet. The best way for Dr. Greger to test this second hypothesis would be to simply take existing data on nutritional necessities for long-term health, and determine if the Atkins Diet calls for nutrition that reflects these requirements. In that way, Dr. Gereger would be able to point to some data, rather than relying on the opinions of experts in the field. While consensus of opinion in the scientific community can be a compelling argument for a particular hypothesis, by itself, it fails to persuade nearly as much as would the sensible application of the scientific method.

The Science Of Genetic Manipulation - 2094 Words

Within the past century, humans have developed an interest with tinkering with the inner workings of living creatures. The Cambridge Dictionary, sponsored by the University of Cambridge whose medical department is leading the world in the science of genetic manipulation, defines the widely misunderstood process of cloning as artificially producing an organism or cell with â€Å"The exact same chemical patterns†¦ as the original† (Cambridge 1). Currently, scientists are able to duplicate animals like mice, goats, and monkeys with reasonable success. However, this field of science is highly restricted and bottlenecked because of its legal, moral, and religious controversy, and thus the days of human cloning with success will not come around for a long time. A genetically cloned puppy, however, is something one could order themselves today if they want authentic purebred pet, or an exact duplicate of their last. Cloning is a scientific process that is still very much in its early stages, but it has sent into the world small parcels of success that offer a glimpse into a new age of genetic perfection; however, these gifts have also drawn concern to its safety, questionable morality, and if it’s worth the funding to support Genetic Engineering. As technology has advanced, the interest in the uses for cloning technology has followed suit with an influx of funding into the industry by investors who see its outstanding potential. One of the greatest pressing concerns of theShow MoreRelatedThe Ethics Of Designer Babies943 Words   |  4 Pagesand crosses the line between positive sociological developments and immoral manipulations of nature for many reasons. Genetic manipulation of reproductive cells for the purposes of enhancing an offspring’s physical traits, intelligence, or possibly personality traits or talents would be allowing parents to ‘fine tune’ the features of their children. Because of the expense associated with this type of high-tech genetic adjustment, only those with substantial financial means would be able to affordRead MoreEssay on Re: Nrs 437 Embryo Harvesting , Part Ii1292 Words   |  6 PagesEmbryo Harvesting Freezing/Genetic Manipulation, Part II We are living in a new era where technology can help women have babies in unconventional ways. Having children is a personal choice. In some people’s view, government should not be regulating when people should and should not start having a family. The ethical issue is when the parents start applying for governmental benefits after the baby is conceived via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and born posthumously. When practicing IVF, are weRead MoreEnglish 112 Essay1677 Words   |  7 PagesDanielle Joseph English 112/ 0002 Maginnes February 26, 2013 Genetic Modified Humans: Is Not Acceptable In the essay, titled Building Baby from the Genes Up? Ronald M. Green proclaims his approval of genetic selection and extraction of human genes. He gives reasons that support his outlook on the matter, that this will be useful to civilization. Ronald M. Green is in violation of several ethical codes, with his view on genetic modification. I am against genetically modified humans, andRead MoreWhy The Bad Rap?1114 Words   |  5 Pagesmanipulate crops and herds to make their hardier and more substantial. GMOs are everywhere, they are not new, however the controversy surrounding them is. The idea that GMOs should be labeled for being GMOs is misleading, and not based in logic. Genetic modification, above all else, is a process that has been done by humans for hundreds of thousands of years. 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The innumerable advances that science had reached in genetic aspects, made us think that there aren’t insurmountable limits to humans. At the same time it causes questions about the dangers they may offer in an increasingly, curious society. In general terms, Genetic manipulation refers to â€Å"any of a variety sophisticated techniquesRead MoreThe Ethics Of Genetic Engineering1639 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic engineering has to do with manipulating organisms and DNA to create body characteristics. The practice of genetic DNA has shown an increasing amount over the past years. The process of genetic enhancement involves manipulating organisms by using biotechnologies. The technique is by removing a DNA from one life form and transferring it to another set of traits or organism. Certain barriers are conquered, and the procedure involves changing a form of cells, resulting from an improvement orRead MoreNegative Impact Of Manipulating Human Genetics1453 Words   |  6 Pagesof Manipulating Human Genetics Twenty five years ago Genetic Engineering was a scene from an unrealistic invention on a scene from a science fiction movie. However, recent scientific advancements, genetic engineering, is becoming more of a reality rather than a fantasy. Genetic Engineering was once an actually impractical thought, today it is a prominent issue around the world. The most controversial subject of genetic engineering deals with the impact that manipulation of humans will have onRead MoreEssay about Should Genetic Engineering Be Controlled by Law?992 Words   |  4 PagesShould Genetic Engineering Be Controlled by Law? â€Å"Just as the success of a corporate body in making money need not set the human condition ahead, neither does every scientific advance automatically make our lives more meaningful† ( Professor George Wald, Noble Prize winning biologist, The Dangers of Genetic Engineeering 1976, p.45) . Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes. It uses the techniques of molecular cloning and transformation to alter theRead MoreGenetic Engineering: The Next Technological Leap or a Disruption to the Natural Order of Our Planet?951 Words   |  4 PagesAs futuristic as it may sound, this type of technology is no longer science fiction but has become a new reality. Genetic engineering is a type of science defined as the deliberate modification of characteristics of organisms by manipulation of genetic material. This emerging development has managed to make its mark in our growing global consciousness and there is a rising dispute amongst the masses. While some agree that genetic engineering is the next technological leap for humanity, others believe