Name Patrick Bratton Class time: Online
Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: Chapter
1. (Questioning) After reading this chapter/article what questions do I have?
In the New Developments part of the chapter, it states “biological and computer sciences will combine new ways to insert microprocessors or controlled devices on human bodies.” (pg. 5) Is this ethical?
2. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. 1940s- The first computer is built
b. 1991- Space shuttle had a one-megahertz computer
c. 2006 Automobiles can have 100-megahertz
computers.
3. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
The chapter is basically about the changes in technology and how it affects society ethically. Technology has had a major impact in society, rather it be positive or negative. With the theory of ethics though, we are to assume people will do the right thing with the advances of technology but when it comes down to it there are rational and irrational people in this world.
4. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
A specific example would be social networking sites. When facebook and myspace came out I was hooked. It was like a new world, you could catch up with friends, message them or even talk to people from different states or across the world. Meeting people never became so easy until social networking sites were created.
5. (Analysis) Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading?
During the issues and themes part of the chapter, Baase, mentions the loss of privacy and crime (pg.21-25) I feel that social networking sites play a role in this and not only do they play a role but there is evidence that social networking site can lead to crime. The craiglist killer placed online ads on craiglist for erotic services and killed his victims. Social networking sites give people the opportunity to disguise themselves and become anybody they want because it is behind a computer screen. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Markoff) A new idea I would issue to help out the problem is that social networking sites offer an option for relationships made on their site, so we can have statistics of people who are successful in their relationships and even those who are unsuccessful or unfortunately murder.
6. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS, reference)? +
I do agree with what is being said. “Free stuff on the web: email, books, newspapers. Games, etc.” (pg 4-5) With these it is convenient to read books, email people without sending it in an envelop and place games. With this all said, I feel that the environment is affected positively because the Internet saves gas, and with gas being saved means less pollution depleting our ozone.
7. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Are there any ethical considerations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) ? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter/article?
This topic is relevant in today's society. Technology changes by the day and so many people are left behind and may not keep up with it. People within my age group are apart of the technology movement and are somewhat computer savvy and deal heavily with electronics, but when you look at our parents and those before them, technology seems to be so advanced that they don't want to keep up with it and they let it pass them by. “In 2006, pocket devices hold a terabyte (one trillion bytes) of data.” (Gift of Fire pg. 2) With this said, adults and most elderly today might have a hard time operating a smart phone, I would probably not know what a terabyte even is.
8. (Conclusion) After completing this assignment, based on new thoughts and evidence
a. What new conclusions have you come to about this topic ?
Technology will never be stopped, it is constantly evolving day by day. It is fascinating to see how far we have come from the 1940's, to 2011. That is a short time period. But with the advances in technology comes ethical decisions.
b. Below restate your questions from #1 and include the answer based on your new conclusions.
In the chapter it states “biological and computer sciences will combine new ways to insert microprocessors or controlled devices on human bodies.” I wanted to know if this was ethical, because when I think of controlled devices I think of arms, legs, or even our brains and after reading the chapter I feel there is no simple yes or no answer to this question. It will all be based upon a person's ethics and morals to decide what is right from wrong. As Neil Postman states, “Good and evil rests entirely on human awareness.” (http://www.mat.upm.es/~jcm/neil-postman--five-things.html)
References:
Baase, Sara. A Gift of Fire. 2008. Print. Pages 1-40
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Markoff
http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/23312
http://www.mat.upm.es/~jcm/neil-postman--five-things.html
No comments:
Post a Comment