Balanced Analysis. Be sure to construct a balanced analysis, meaning one that tries to present all sides of the issue. Balanced does not mean treating everyone as equally right; science and evidence resolves factual issues, and someone who has a fact wrong must be called on it (e.g., the claim that humans do not cause global warming is largely not justified in light of evidence). In addition, theories that lack empirical support, but are widely believed and advocated, are really myths and should be treated as such rather than scientific views (e.g. the Laffer Curve, the claim that lower taxes causes economic growth and results in no loss of tax revenue).Documentation of the language is provided below.
As can be seen above, Professor Mousseau rightfully encourages students to “present all sides of the issue.” Within the two subsequent sentences, however, he goes out of his way to state that one side of the issue, whether it be in regards to global warming or the Laffer Curve, is not legitimate. In a sense, he’s dictating his own reality– one that does not accept or tolerate multiple viewpoints. Would he apply these same rigorous standards to the abortion debate, shutting down the common counter-scientific leftist viewpoint that unborn babies are not living humans? Rigorous debate and the free exchange of ideas are hallmarks of higher education. (At least they used to be.) This professor’s decision to deem certain arguments “myths” without significant debate and discussion does a disservice to the students he teaches.
