The Spaniels of St. Marx and the Panglossian paradox: a critique of a rhetorical programme

Article Abstract:

Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin, in their 1979 essay 'The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Program,' criticized adaptationists for focusing on the parts of organisms instead of seeing entire organisms when they study natural selection. However, the adaptationist view remains valid despite its vulnerability to the prevailing culture at one time. An analysis of the essay also reveals that Gould cleverly uses rhetoric to drive home his point against adaptationists and sociobiologists.

Analysis, Evaluation, Biologists, Criticism and interpretation, Sociobiology, Gould, Stephen Jay

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Lookit: the unrecognized admonition lingers on

Article Abstract:

Political jargon offers a variety of Americanisms. The Kennedy Library tapes of JFK talking to the late Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago reveal the repeated use of `lookit' as a substitute for `pay attention' or `see here.' The Newsweek columnist Meg Greenfield loved to uncover political lingo that was used poorly and managed to chastise her colleagues for overuse of `watershed,' `virtually,' and `crossroads.' She preferred clear, concise writing that conveyed specific meanings.

Column, History, Influence, English language, Terminology, Politics, Jargon (Terminology), Greenfield, Meg

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Global environment: global warming effects forecasted

Article Abstract:

There will be significant environmental, social and economic impact from global warming by the end of the 21st century unless the trend is diminished by a sharp decease in emission of gases casing the greenhouse effect. Predicted problems include an increase in both sea level and rainfall.

Forecasts and trends, Causes of, Environmental aspects, Global warming, Climatic changes, Climate change, Greenhouse effect

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