Steven J Dick The Importance Of Exploration

Space has always been a place of curiosity for human beings; whether we should worship the gods that hide right behind the stars or simply dream to explore it one day. As we move into the 21st century, some people still question what actions should be considered when thinking about space travel. The argument separating the two sides, centers around the possibility of an Earth that has become unsustainable for the inhabitants. “Mars can wait. Oceans can't” CNN.com and “The Importance of Exploration”, a series of essays on exploration by NASA's Chief Historian, Steven J. Dick, are articles that have taken different stances and the rhetorical devices wherein will be able to clarify the differences.While both sides contain valid points, the

NASA Chief Historian, Steven J. Dick, wrote in a series of letters expressing his stance on the future of space exploration. While there is little historical significance behind the timing that Steven J. Dick chose to write his letters, the sole fact that he is a NASA Chief Historian provides insight on why he wrote these letters. The context behind this article and the article written by CNN is one of the rhetorical devices that can be seen as both are analyzed. Recent events played a part in the writing of the CNN article, while in the NASA article it seems to be that Steven J. Dick is writing his opinions with little influence. This not only helps the audience understand what background that Dick is coming from but also appeals to the ethos of the audience by having been referenced as a NASA Historian. During the year, 2007, that Dick wrote these series of article the political atmosphere was very laxed in comparison of when the CNN article was written. This again proves that Dick is writing during a time where there is little outside force changing his opinions on the topic of space

NASA’s article starts off by introducing the reader as if the reader hasn’t had the information presented to him/her before. Then continues to further the previously presented historical facts by going in depth and explaining to the audience how and why the author, Steven J. Dick, chose his stance on space exploration. The way this article is written makes it flow easily, as well as making it much more reader friendly. This is a one of the only similarities between the two pieces when it comes down to organization. From an argumentative standpoint, this also makes the reader understand the point more and less likely to take the opposing side. Soon after addressing a certain topic in relation to space travel, Dick will also pose a question intended for the audience to think and make an opinion. While also asking the audience questions to dig deeper within the topic, Dick makes the overall organization of his essay more effective, almost as if the sidenotes are tiny bits of details that Dick forgot to add within his original