Introduction
Intellectual hypocrisy is portrayed by the medical professionals in the area. Although they were unwilling to accept Snow’s theory, they quickly accepted the outcome of his investigation (Muench 2). Even amidst criticism and ridicule, Snow continued to investigate the outbreak and pursue his theory, showing Intellectual Perseverance.
Discussion
The vice of Intellectual arrogance is illustrated when the medical professionals in the area were unwilling to accept Snow’s water-borne theory as they thought to know better (Muench 1). They were so entrenched in the miasma theory that they were reluctant to accept any evidence that contradicted it. The local population was so rooted in their traditional beliefs that they failed to understand the information presented by Dr. Snow (Muench 2). This shows how distrust of reason can prevent people from accepting new ideas, even when the evidence is clear.
The intellectual cowardice of the local authorities is also evident in the story. They were unwilling to take decisive action even when presented with evidence that the water supply was to blame for the spread of cholera. William Farr was so lazy that he not only refused to look into Snow’s findings, but he also refused to visit the Broad Street area to confirm the source of the outbreak (Muench 5). Farr’s intellectual laziness was a significant factor in the delayed response to the outbreak. Snow’s intellectual integrity is also evident in the story. He was honest and sincere in his work and did not allow his personal beliefs or biases to influence his conclusions. He was honest about the evidence he had collected and the decisions he had drawn from it. He was also willing to admit his mistakes and revise his theories when new evidence was presented (Muench 4). Snow also exhibited confidence in reason, believing one can arrive at the truth through careful observation and logical reasoning. He was confident in his observational skills and reasoning abilities and willing to stand by his conclusions even when the scientific community did not accept them.
Conclusion
Also, people mainly believed that disease was caused by decaying matter, which barred people from accepting the scientific reason for what led to the cholera outbreak. This displayed intellectual conformity, where people just absorbed what they thought without question (Muench 6). However, John Snow showed intellectual courage by not being discouraged by the religious superstitions and ignorance of the people to find scientific reasoning for disease.
Work Cited
Muench, Susan Bandoni. “The mystery of the blue death: A case study in epidemiology and the history of science.” Journal of College Science Teaching 39.1 (2009): 60-66. Web.