2. Analyze Dr. Stockmann's motivation in revealing the truth about the polluted springs. Selfish or unselfish motives? Explain.
I believe that Dr. Stockmann's motives were unselfish. He is a doctor and it is his job to improve the health of the community. Obviously, I am an idealist! I think he wants the community to be healthy and he guessed that the water supply was contaminated. He studied the water and then "sent samples of the water to the University for an exact chemical analysis" (p.1006). At the time of the story, people did not have the understanding that we do today regarding bacteria and infectious diseases. Therefore, even though the doctor's hypothesis was radical and almost taboo, he was on a mission to find the truth. He was not trying to teach people about bacteria or any other subject. His mission was to save lives. He says "[Peter] ought to be damn glad that such an important fact is brought out before we start an epidemic!"(p.1007). He didn't say "look what I did", he wanted to simply fix the problem for the community's sake. He was offered recognition or a "tribute" and he quickly refused (p.1007). He could have gained a great deal of publicity for himself if he aired his ideas before he had proof, but he chose not to expose the truth until it was supported by data. Of course people don't only become doctors for humanitarian reasons; they make a lot of money! I don't believe that as a society, however, we call them selfish for achieving some personal gain in a difficult and moral-challenging field.
I believe that Dr. Stockmann's motives were unselfish. He is a doctor and it is his job to improve the health of the community. Obviously, I am an idealist! I think he wants the community to be healthy and he guessed that the water supply was contaminated. He studied the water and then "sent samples of the water to the University for an exact chemical analysis" (p.1006). At the time of the story, people did not have the understanding that we do today regarding bacteria and infectious diseases. Therefore, even though the doctor's hypothesis was radical and almost taboo, he was on a mission to find the truth. He was not trying to teach people about bacteria or any other subject. His mission was to save lives. He says "[Peter] ought to be damn glad that such an important fact is brought out before we start an epidemic!"(p.1007). He didn't say "look what I did", he wanted to simply fix the problem for the community's sake. He was offered recognition or a "tribute" and he quickly refused (p.1007). He could have gained a great deal of publicity for himself if he aired his ideas before he had proof, but he chose not to expose the truth until it was supported by data. Of course people don't only become doctors for humanitarian reasons; they make a lot of money! I don't believe that as a society, however, we call them selfish for achieving some personal gain in a difficult and moral-challenging field.
Talia,
ReplyDeleteAwesome picture, it was a great representation of your post. I agree that Dr. Stockmann’s motives were unselfish. You used the text very will to support your opinions. However it might have been beneficial to really analyze how Dr. Stockmann could have possibly been selfish with his actions. Great job keep it up!