Values That Drive People
Assignment Details: In about 400 words using direct quotes or paraphrasing with citation from “Where I Lived and What I Lived For,” by Henry David Thoreau and Kahan and Braman’s research in their “Scientific Consensus” study, develop a sandwich pattern paragraph with a clear topic sentence, evidence from the readings, and commentary about them that addresses the underlying values discussed in them. Follow the sandwich pattern – don’t forget to wrap up with how the values people hold cause them to think certain ways and do what they do.
CITATION:
(Kahan and Braman)
(Thoreau)
Thinking about the texts:
Both of these readings focus on motivations and values people have that cause them to think and act certain ways. Use both readings and bring in quotes to discuss what motivates people, according to Kahan and Braman’s research and Thoreau.
— The article on Kahan and Braman’s research Why “Scientific Consensus” Fails to Persuade discusses underlying values that cause people to accept or reject authoritative sources, like scientific research. People are motivated to accept scientific findings or reject them based on their own specific values and beliefs, not on the actual findings from research. Explain what the article is saying about specific values and motivations and how preconceived beliefs on a topic influence, even dictate, their relationship to and acceptance of what is actually true. Note the definition and examples of “individualistic” vs. “egalitarian” values.
— Thoreau writes about his own values that drove him to “live deliberately… to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life” when he moves into a cabin on Walden Pond for a couple years. WHY did he go? What motivates him to want to live in the woods, to simplify his life? How do you know? Find specific quotes from the text.
Here is the article on Kahan and Braman’s research in “Why Scientific Consensus Fails to Persuade”
https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=117697Links to an external site.
Here is a link to Thoreau’s “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” which is in his 1854 book Walden, or Life in the Woods:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/walden/hdt02.htmlLinks to an external site.
