Introduction
Different tools are employed in analyzing specific situations and topics. SEARCH is usually an effective tool for understanding specific topics. The tool involves stating, identifying evidence, providing alternative hypothesis, and developing specific criteria of adequacy to rate the hypothesis in question. The following is a SEARCH analysis of the topic “fountain of youth”. Fountain of the youth is an archeological part containing a spring that has some restoration value. This paper identifies the basic claims, evidence on the claims, alternative hypothesis, and specific adequate criteria that enhances the rating of the claim.
Statement of the Claim
Different claims have been brought up in respect to the “Fountain of Youth”. The main claim is that there is a spring in the “Fountain of Youth”, which provides healing power. It is claimed that any person who drinks or bathes with water from the “Fountain of Youth” spring is restored back to youth. Besides, it is claimed that Juan Ponce de Leon was one of the most daring men who went looking for the fabled spring or pool. Therefore, the main claim in this topic is that people obtained the restoration of their youth and vitality through drinking and bathing with water from the “Fountain of Youth” spring.
Identification and Analysis of Evidence
Various researchers have attempted to provide proof to the claim that “Fountain of Youth” restored the youth and vitality in people. Fuson (21) vividly describes how Juan Ponce de Leon set out to discover the “Fountain of Youth” in a bid to proving whether the claims were right or baseless. In the process of discovering the “Fountain of Youth”, Juan Ponce de Leon also found the Florida. Juan Ponce de Leon actually proved that “Fountain of Youth” existed and anyone who bathed or drank from the springs obtained restoration Fuson (23). Since then, thousands of tourists and archeologists have visited “Fountain of Youth” and proved the same findings by Juan Ponce de Leon (Fuson 25). Such archeologists have tasted the world’s famous waters in a bid to establish the truth behind the claims.
On his part, Greenberger (109) also confirmed that Juan Ponce de Leon explored Florida in a bid to search for the “Fountain of Youth”. Juan Ponce de Leon is an important person who discovered the “Fountain of Youth”, which has since been a basis of many guests and visitors in a bid to discover and prove the claims. Based on the perceptions and analysis of Greenberger (110), it is evident that the claims on “Fountain of Youth” were true in respect to its existence. However, no one has come up and written an article providing the restoration power of the “Fountain of Youth” especially in respect to youthfulness and vitality.
Lastly, Sage (443) also attempts to provide a deeper understanding of the existence of “Fountain of Youth”. Through the analysis, Sage (443), the “Fountain of Youth” is a spring of water that existed in Florida. It is also true that many people who wished to be youths for a long time visited the spring to drink and bath from the same. Other than the testimonies provided, Sage (445) also believes that the “Fountain of Youth” provided solutions for restoring youthfulness and vitality amongst people who visited the same. Even though there can be doubts on the spring’s capability to restore youthfulness and vitality, there is no doubt that the “Fountain of Youth” existed.
Alternative Hypotheses
Based on the above evidences, various alternative hypotheses can be generated. Some of the hypotheses that can be generated from above evidences include:
- Fountain of Youth no longer exists
- Only faith was necessary for a person to receive restoration of youth and vitality
- The “Fountain of Youth” exists in our daily environment.
Comparative Rating
The above hypotheses explain beyond reasonable doubt that there are myths and truths regarding different aspects of life. From the original hypothesis, it is true that the classical period was full of superstition; most of which were effective and efficient. It is also important to note that the “Fountain of Youth” in Florida no longer exists especially in the contemporary world. The contemporary individuals have very little to do with superstition hence the absence of the “Fountain of Youth”. Nonetheless, no one can dispute the claims that anyone who received restoration from the “Fountain of Youth” had a strong faith. Lastly, many people search for the “Fountain of Youth” in their lives when they forget that they can easily obtain the same within their environment. Through proper nutrition and adequate exercises, an individual is able to enhance and maintain his or her youthfulness and vitality.
Based on the above criteria, the best hypothesis is the one that advises people on looking for youthfulness and vitality within their environment. Finding youthfulness and vitality of the environment is more fulfilling and effective as opposed to other methods.
Works Cited
Fuson, Robert. Juan Ponce de Leon. Granville, OH: McDonald & Woodward Publishing, 2000.
Greenberger, Robert. Juan Ponce de León: The Exploration of Florida and the Search for the Fountain of Youth. New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, 2003.
Sage, Leslie. "Fountain of youth." Nature Physics 3.7 (2007): 442-442.
