Neil Degrasse Tyson The Cosmic View Summary

All who inhabit the earth have a different opinion on the universe and the study of the cosmos. While many are eager to learn, some prefer to focus only on the world in front of them. The pros and cons to having a wide understanding and perspective of the universe vary depending on prior knowledge and opinions. While some would rather halt space exploration entirely, many still hunger and yearn to learn more about the universe around them. The human race needs to gain more knowledge of space with a new perspective to better understand their past, home, and universe.

In the article “The Cosmic Perspective”, the author Neil deGrasse Tyson pushes embracing a new perspective on the way everyone sees the universe rather than limiting mankind’s knowledge

Many argue against space exploration and the study of astronomy. In his article, Tyson mentions “the cosmic view comes with a hidden cost” and admits as he focuses on the cosmos he sometimes forgets about problems and events of Earth. He blames this on the fact that even though our world seems big, “the universe is even bigger. A depressing thought to some,” he continues, “but a liberating thought to me” (Tyson). Several do not enjoy learning about the universe for the same reason Tyson does. They dislike the feeling of insignificance and prefer to believe they are the center of the universe with everything revolving around them. The human ego remains a center opposing force in the field of astronomy. Humanity will choose to ignore the obvious morals and ethos Tyson uses and have a narrow-minded perspective Tyson finds it reasonable “to think of people not as the masters of space and time but as participants in a great cosmic chain of being,” where many find the thought disturbing or choose to ignore it completely (Tyson). However, using rhetoric devices, Tyson makes a great argument for the study of the

While there are a good number of arguments against The Cosmic Perspective and space exploration as a whole, the benefits shine brighter. Tyson points out the luxury of having a cosmic way of thinking, saying this makes him “feel alive and spirited and connected.” While he refers to spirituality, Tyson does not speak of religion. Regardless of religion, he states that all are connected through the universe and made of the same “stardust” (Tyson). In addition to this reason, Tyson employs ethos to pressure the expanding of knowledge for future people. “During our brief stay on planet Earth, we owe ourselves and our descendants the opportunity to explore” (Tyson). The exploration of space opens doors for the future inhabitants of planet Earth and if more is discovered now, so much more can be found in later years. Tyson mentions this noble reason with ethos in his tone and says, “The day our knowledge of the cosmos ceases to expand, we risk regressing to the childish view that the universe figuratively and literally revolves around us… And that would be the last gap of human enlightenment” (Tyson). The end of space exploration could mean the end of human cultures and progression. Tyson’s application of ethos gives the audience a different justification for his ideas and