S.A. #3 The Future of Reading

When most people think of scientific papers, a contemplation on the future of Nooks and Kindles is probably not the first thing to come to mind.  However,  Johan Lehrer uses the arrangement of a scientific paper in his article "The Future of Reading."  Although not blatant catagorized, or clearly labeled as a a normal paper of that sort should be, Lehrer cleanly lays out his paper following Alan Gross' model of introduction, results, discussion. 

Alan Gross is the author of "The Arrangement of the Scientific Paper," and says in this essay "a picture of the discovery process as a path-like sequence of logical steps." (89).  Lehrer follows this path begining his article with an introduction.  He starts with the background of what he thinks to let the reader know from what beliefs he will be arguing, saying immediately "I think it’s pretty clear that the future of books is digital."  He also gives the reader a condensed history of the radio as a model to compare the evolution of books against.  This gives the readers a context to place this argument in.  Gross states that "reports begin by placing the incidents they report in the context of a research program whose goal is the discovery of natural laws." (89).  Lehrer then moves to the "results" portion of his article showing the readers facts that came from a nueroscientist.  Showing the readers his methods, helps gain their support and trust. 

At the end of his paper, Lehrer summarizes his thoughts and concludes that if Nooks, Kindles and the like were to make it more difficult for people to passively read, the reader would comprehend things much better "We won’t just scan the words – we will contemplate their meaning."  By following Gross' model this article transforms itself from a blog post of pure opinion, to an intellectual article of thought and intention.  To follow Gross' logical steps will help other writers as well form clear and easy to understand arguments.