Learning Materials: Paradigms Lost

Learning Materials:  Paradigms Lost

In Module 2, we have been exploring the ways science generates knowledge, the reasons why scientific ‘truths’ are frequently resisted or rejected by members of the public, and reflecting on the idea that as members of society, all individuals have a moral obligation to ‘get it right.’  Journal #1 invites you to consider the relevance of these ideas and arguments by using them to investigate debates that surround the COVID-19 pandemic.

Step 1:  Review the following background materials on COVID-19:

https://www.utoronto.ca/news/why-are-some-covid-19-debates-so-polarizing-u-t-health-expert-breaks-down-issues

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-pandemic-idUSKBN28C3DJ

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/03/uk/covid-19-conspiracy-theories-2020-intl-gbr/index.html

Step 2:  Respond to all of the following questions by composing a written answer of at approximately 250 words, using proper sentence and paragraph structure.

Identify and explain at least one distinct debate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use specific ideas from your readings and learning materials to explain why some members of the public resist or reject ‘scientific truths’ related to this debate.  (What ‘truths’ about this debate are offered by the scientific community? What evidence is provided to support these ‘truths’? What reasons or evidence do some members of the public use to dispute these scientific ‘truths’?  What other, non-evidence-based reasons might they have for challenging or rejecting the scientific claims?)

In your response, you are required to use ideas taken from both your reading and your online learning materials.  All ideas need to be paraphrased properly (i.e. you are required to put ideas entirely in your own words; do not copy directly from your textbook or learning materials).  For help with paraphrasing, consult this resource:  https://liberalarts.humber.ca/assets/files/writing_centre/PARAPHRASING.pdf

Other than the articles provided,  are permitted for this assignment.  no more than one brief direct quote is permitted for this assignment.  Failure to properly paraphrase and/or use of any source other than your reading and learning materials will be considered plagiarism and will result in an automatic grade of zero.

You are required to reference all paraphrased and directly quoted ideas using proper APA referencing format.  This involves both complete in-text citations within the body of your paper (see this link for guidance: https://library.humber.ca/help/apa/text-citations) and a complete bibliography at the end your journal (see this link for guidance: https://library.humber.ca/sites/default/files/APA%20Tip%20Sheet-v2-06-2020.pdf)

Failure to properly paraphrase and reference ideas, and/or use of any source other than your reading and learning materials will be considered plagiarism and will result in an automatic grade of zero