Society, Ethics, and Technology Final Review

Discuss the TWO PRIMARY influences in the FR (Fertility Rate) in different types of countries and why that is changing in many places today. SE

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What are TWO KEY BENEFITS robots offer today and TWO KEY reasons they might also pose a threat to society? SE

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What are TWO PRIMARY facts that many feel requires shift from traditional fuels to alternate sources of energy in today's world? CE

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What are the 3 major fossil fuels that consume the most energy?

1. Oil 2. Coal 3. Gas

Globalization has two sides

A. Bright Side: Employment opportunities, Consumer can reduce spending, Prices are lowered B. Dark Side: Displaced workers in MDCs, Drive down wages and benefits in attempt to match LDCs, Reduces bargaining prices of workers

Name TWO major characteristics of globalization and explain ONE MAJOR WAY why globalization is beneficial and ONE MAJOR WAY globalization is harmful to you. CE

A. Characteristics [1] Globalization is the idea that the world is forming a tight interconnectedness. Also, described as "fair trade" and "level playing fields." [2] In order for globalization to work it needs changes; fix negatives and improve positives Positive: provides employment opportunities in developing countries, companies can reduce costs, and consumers enjoy lower prices. More people have jobs -> less unemployment Negative: displaces workers, drives wages down, worker has less bargaining power, reduces spending. Can hurt the economy; worker will be afraid of losing their jobs

What are the basic types of computers? What was the first computer?

A. [1] Mechanical: gears and cams [2] Electro-mechanical: electrical rays [3]Electronics: vacuum tube, transistor, integrated circuits, (biological B. Antikythern mechanism 1902 ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) [1] Astrology, navigation, calendar; application

What 2 countries are developing quickly and growing in populations?

China and India

What are some scientific revolutions that have affected population growth through time?

I. Latex condoms [family planning] II. Vaccines [control disease and keep population healthy] III. Antibiotics [less death] IV. Birth control pills [less births]

Although much personal information has been in the public domain for many years, why do many fear that computers pose the most serious threat to our privacy and security today? SE

Many fear that computers pose the most serious threat to our privacy and security because of its ability to track people and their identities. These technologies are video surveillance, data surveillance, genetic spying, data trails, tracking and profiling by the government, email tapping, cell phone location data, biometrics, etc. These technologies give the government and even businesses the upper hand in learning more about a citizen from their daily actions from home to their conversations on their cell phone. One specific threat of a computer is its ability to produce genetic workplace testing which allows employers to discriminate against an applicant due to his/her DNA.

What broke the wall to integration? Technologies of globalization? Balances of globalization?

Markets, nation-states, and tech; Computerization, transportation, internet, digitization; Between nation states, between global markets and nation states, between individuals and nation states

What opportunities will nanotechnology bring?

Overcome problems dealing: old age/aging, pollution, poverty, disease

Stiglitz main point of view

Promises of globalization are too high; disappearance of the middle class

Discuss the MAJOR way a robot with "AI" would be different than a typical robot produced today. SE

Robots with artificial intelligence will be able to perform tasks that require human intelligence; they will have a mind while a typical robots deal with the design and fabrication of automated machines.

Why do rural areas have more energy consumption?

Rural areas have greater density in living and commuting space because urban resident consume large amounts of energy

What is seen by many as being the next MAJOR leap in the evolution of computers and what issues, including ethical ones, might arise if this breakthrough occurs? CE

The next major leap in the evolution of computers is artificial intelligence. If a breakthrough of these advanced technologies occurs then they will create long-lasting peril to the world. For instance, if self replicating nanobots escape into the environments they can cause severe and irreplaceable damage to the natural world. Certain effects of A.I are: its ability to convert info software into physical, gain greater computational capacity that can amass the human brain, and even reverse engineer the human brain to reveal the software design of the human brain, and overcome age-old problems such as disease, poverty, pollution, and aging. In relation, with the advancement in technology it is impossible to get rid of all the "bad" parts of technology and retain only the "good" parts, therefore the relinquishment of A.I results in the relinquishment of all technology. Ethical: Human dignity and privacy, preservation of human identity, liability and responsibility issues, psychological effects, cost benefits analysis.

Explain the MAJOR LIMITATION of using the "One shouldn't play God" statement to justify why a particular technology should or should not be permitted. SE

This statement could be applied to the simplest treatment of medicine. Goes against the ethics of natural law. Define what's natural in aspirin, heart transplant, birth control, etc. Why should it be used if it is not natural?

Discuss a PRIMARY ISSUE related to technologies associated with "end-of-life-care" and a key ethical concern raised. SE

When is a person not living on their own? Is it right to prolong the life of a person if they are not really living? The machine might be living for the person not the person supporting him/herself. Is the person suffering?

What is technological automatism?

When technologies pass a certain stage of development then we can't control them

What is the Law of Accelerating Returns?

[1] The acceleration of the pace and the exponential growth of the products of an evolutionary process including nanotech (information technologies) [2] Evolution applies positive feedback as the more capable methods resulting from one stage of evolutionary progress are used to create the next stage. [3] Rate progress increases exponentially over time as the "returns" of the process [speed/cost-effectiveness] increases exponentially. [4] Technological paradigm (method/approach in solving a problem) shifts: provides exponential growth until method exhausts its potential.

Discuss how a typical robot in use today "knows" how to behave and what to do and the major way "Watson" differs. SE

[1] A typical robot today knows what to do and how to behave because of how it was designed to maintain the fabrication of an automated machine. A typical robot has a movable physical structure, a motor of some sort, a sensor system, a power supply and a computer "brain" that controls all of these elements. Essentially, robots are man-made innovations of mammal actions. All robots can be programmed or re-programmed to behave in different ways but because of how they are made some limitations arise. For example, a factory robot arm can perform jobs such as cutting, welding, gluing, or acting as a fairground ride, while a pick-and-place robot can only populate printed circuit boards. [2] Watson differs because he can compute millions of instructions per second [MIPS] meaning he contains an enormous amount of energy.

Discontents in the defense of globalization. Early stages vs. today.

[1] Anti-capitalism: social justice issues of youth [2] Anti-globalization: imperialism and exploration of the weak [3] Anti-corporation: profit motive, stock market values; Early: transportation and communication vs. Today: greater independence

What aspect of the ART PROCESS IN VITRO FERTILIZATION is related to stem cell research, what is the PRIMARY related ethical issue and how is it addressed in some countries. SE

[1] Art process a. Creation, freezing, disposition, extraction, of embryo's b. Ethical issues Are embryos alive? Do they have morals? Should we respect these morals even though an embryo is not fully alive? [2] Ethical issues & other countries a. Morals -> you have a soul i. Muslims - soul at implantation (120 days) ii. Jews - soul at birth iii. Catholic - soul at conception

Against what types of robots are Asimov's "Law of Robotics" designed to protect us and why do you either feel that are adequate or not to do that? SE

[1] Asimov's "Law of Robotics" is designed to protect us from robots with artificial intelligence. These laws are adequate because they are hard wired into all artificially intelligent robots for them to be able to preserve the lives of humans and robots. [Law I] A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. [Law II] A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such ordered would conflict with the First Law. [Law III] A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law

What are facilitators of globalization?

[1] Automation [2] Computers [3] Rapid/cheap transportation

What is the MAJOR ETHICAL ISSUE related to the debate over embryonic stem cell research often used to oppose this technology? Discuss the MAJOR ETHICAL ARGUMENT put forward by those who support this type of research? CE

[1] Biggest question in genetics is when does life begin? Many feel that their moral duty is to respect the value of humans. Natural law theory - "act in a way that conforms to the natural inclination for human beings" [destroying human embryos] [2] People feel that their duty is to alleviate suffering: Ethical theory of utilitarianism, Welfare of humanity in general looking out for the common good, Breakthrough in human development and understand process of cellular specialization, Many cure diseases

Alternatives to capitalism?

[1] Egoism: holds that actions are to be judged in terms of the extent to which they promote a person's [the good->] self-interest. [2] Gini-coefficient/index: expresses dispersion of wealth within a region or country; 0=everyone's equal, 1= one person maintains all wealth (rich/poor gap)

Negative impacts on population.

[1] Epidemics [small pox, leprosy, black plagues] [2] Great famine [3] Great depression [4] AIDs [5] Cancer

What is ONE possible benefit and ONE negative aspect of "eugenics"? Discuss the ONE ethical principle which would justify such programs and the other ethical principle which finds them morally unacceptable. How does this issue relate to the PGD process? CE

[1] Eugenics a. Positive: filters out any traits that are not written by human ex. Disease trait b. Negative: invasion of human privacy or make characteristics change without their consent [2] Justified programs/ Morally unaccepted ethical principle a. Opposes the natural because it's not natural to alter genetics to change a genetic makeup b. Utilitarianism: everyone as a whole will benefit from a smarter society c. Egoism (greed): promote a person's good/ self-interest ; define "good" and the levels of "good" [3] PGD Process: [Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis] procedure developed to screen for genetic diseases; capable of culling embryos carrying undesired genes. a. One it able to choose desired traits and destroying the undesired ones

(1)What MAJOR CATEGORY of U.S. jobs was initially "outsourced" and how has that changed today? (2)What is one KEY way used by LDCs to lure companies to relocate? CE

[1] Factory jobs in the U.S. were initially outsourced and now many different types of jobs are being outsourced today. Once the simple jobs in the production process were outsourced, companies gained the knowledge to move other types of jobs overseas. [2] One of the ways that less developed countries (LDCs) lured companies to relocate is by eliminating any and all labor laws and requirements. This drives the cost of labor down for the company which is the most expensive part of the production of goods. If the companies do not have to worry about workers safety and benefits; they save money.

What are some difficulties in controlling the march on globalization?

[1] Fewer jobs created higher unemployment [EU] rates a. American beliefs i. .Technological automatism: innovation is inevitable ii. Uphold values of modern life (prolonging life, cure disease, etc._ -> people on their side [2] Cultural pluralism & relativism (hard to reach consensus) [3] Moral objection (religion & sectarian)

Discuss TWO PRIMARY reasons why Henry Ford might have decided to pay his workers $5 a day when other automobile companies were paying considerably less than that amount. SE

[1] Ford believed that happy workers would be more productive. If they are more productive then they'll make more cars, sell more cars, and make a higher profit. Ford felt that the best way to make a worker happy is to pay them well. [2] Ford also hated unions and didn't want his workers to form one. In order to discourage workers from wanting to form a union, demand higher wages, less hours, and more benefits he just paid them well so they would not have a reason to complain.

Briefly explain the central theme of the "Tragedy of the Commons" and then PRIMARY CHANGE in a number of LDCs in relation to the IPAT equation, which many believe poses the greatest threat to the environment. CE

[1] Garret Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons": analyzed moral problems using an example of herdsmen overgrazing common lands. Herdsmen treat their common pasture as an inexhaustible resource seeking to maximize one's own self-interest, but if numerous herdsmen do this all pastures become overgrazed and useless. People are making the world seem unlimited when it is strictly limited [2] Humans do the same with the limits of carbon in the atmosphere [3] Hardin argues that voluntary measures to limit this kind of overuse will not succeed and that the only solution available to us is greater responsibility based on "definite social agreements." [4] IPAT equation [environmental impact (I) is the product of three terms = population (P) x affluence (A) x technology (T)]:the primary change in numerous LDCs in relation to this equation is that population has increased which drives the use of more power, driving the effects of higher air and water pollution.

What occurs in the biotechnology era? What are the concerns that come with it?

[1] Genetically modified organisms a. Cloning b. Gene selection c. Genetically modified genes d. Eugenics e. Agricultural biotechnology i. Genetically modified crops [2] Concerns: Takes away human individuality. Discrimination against those disabled because its considered that they are not good enough. Have race that splits into two different species: Naturals vs. GenRich -> cannot mate and reproduce. Playing God. Ethics for respect for persons: the supreme rule for persons, the supreme rule or standard might be stated as "Act in a way that respects equally the dignity of every human being."Actions judged by whether they treat humans at free moral agents who can order their lives by their own purposes and values. Egoism: greed. Utilitarianism: actions are to be judged in terms of the extent to which they promote the [the good ->] welfare of humanity in general; define "good"

Three Eras of Globalization

[1] Globalization 1.0 [1492-1800]: shrunk world from large to medium [2] Globalization 2.0 [1820-2000]: shrunk world from medium to small [3] Globalization 3.0 [2000-current]: shrunk world from small to tiny; leveled and flattened playing field

Increased energy consumption in the world is a major concern. Discuss ONE MAJOR WAY being considered to deal with problems related to the distribution of electricity. CE

[1] Improved technology and increasing population a. Government is attempting to mitigate this change because the government is making policies and regulations.

Discuss the TWO MAJOR REASONS seen as accounting for the loss of jobs in the U.S. today, aside from reduced consumer demand. CE

[1] Increased technology: with all the advances in technology people keep losing jobs to machines that can do the work faster, more efficient, and cheaper. Machines also do not require benefits and are more reliable than humans; humans need sick days and vacations [2] Outsourcing: there are so many jobs that go overseas to other countries. This is because the cheap cost of labor. This drives the product's cost down for the consumers and increases the profit for companies. Everyone wins with this action however there are many people out of work in the United States. If outsourced jobs were available in the U.S. there wouldn't be such an unemployment problem.

Describe the TWO PRIMARY ways in which organisms change in nature and TWO MAJOR reasons genetic engineering has become very popular today. CE

[1] Organisms change in nature a. Natural vs. Induced (Artificial) [God mad vs man made] b. Evolution the natural way -> adaptation survival of the fittest c. Genetic engineering/mutations unnatural way - force to change the genetic makeup - changes due to pollution generated by humans [2] Genetic engineering popular a. Want to give children the best opportunity to succeed b. Want the perfect mix for that child. c. Want to live their life through their children d. Create a perfect human being

Briefly describe the concept of "out-sourcing" and discuss ONE MAJOR positive and ONE MAJOR negative impact of it. SE

[1] Outsourcing - when a company makes its products outside of the United States but sells the product in the United States. The main reason for doing this is that the cost of labor is so cheap in less developed countries (LDCs) that it is worth the cost of transportation to transport the goods to the U.S. and pay workers minimum if not lower wages. The purpose of this is to form the connection between people-to-people and app-to-app which brought the movement of businesses around the world: for the most efficient, effective, cheapest operation producer. Positive impact - it makes products cheaper in the U.S. because of the lower labor costs. Consumers save money on products Negative impact - it takes jobs out of the U.S. and places them in other countries (LDCs). The U.S. already has a high rate of unemployment.

What are some energy issues that are prevalent today?

[1] Pollution [2] Energy supply i. Sources ii. Distribution iii. Reserves iv. Safety [3] Cost

What are dangers against enhancement and genetic engineering? What do the defenders see it as? What is eugenics? What is Sandal's view on genetic engineering?

[1] Remake human nature to serve purposes and satisfy desires [2] Improving children to make them better through genetics [3] Study or belief in possibility of improving qualities of human species [4] Individual genetic endowments remain gifts

What kind of cloning is objected by Kass and why?

[1] Reproductive cloning and human cloning a. Objections i. Unethical experimentation (animal and human clone) ii. Threatens identity & individuality iii. Procreation into manufacturing iv. Disposition over children and preservation of parenthood

Discuss ONE WAY which has been effectively used by governments to encourage greater use of alternate energy and the PRIMARY REASON doing this is often required. SE

[1] Taxation to discourage people from using oil, gas, and other conventional fuel [2] Promote public transportation that uses alternative energy by rewarding people with tax breaks.

Under in vitro fertilization what occurs with embryos?

[1] Term "in vitro" is Latin for "in glass", the embryo will be mated with the sperm inside a glass atmosphere similar to that of the woman's uterus. [1.1] Hormonal treatment for women; Extraction of embryos and sperm; Creation of embryos; Disposition of embryos 1. Implantation 2. Cryogenics (freezing) 3. Donation: Infertile couples, Research

What are the differences between urban areas and poor cities? What is the leading cause of bad energy sources?

[1] Urban cities: are industrialized because they are more wealthy. Poor cities: are now experiencing rapid economic growth [2] Cities with high populations are the leading cause of bad energy sources but are improving their efficiency and producing more energy

What will happen in the future to the human species if we come to genetically alter ourselves and children?

[1] We will eventually divide the human race into two classes: i. Naturals: [ 90% of American population] - those who carry hereditary genes ii. GenRich: [10% of American population - carrying synthetic genes] modern-day hereditary class of genetic aristocrats

Why is there an increase in labor disputes and why are workers in weak positions?

[1] Workers demand higher wages and protecting their right [2] Cant form independent unions form government

Discuss TWO KEY FACTORS which must be considered when calculating the "true" cost of any fuel. SE

[1] cost of obtaining fuel [2] health issues due to pollution

What TWO MAJOR conditions exist in many LDCs which give those countries what some call an "unfair advantage" over workers in MDCs when competing for jobs? SE

[A] Lower Level Technologies - they don't have the resources to create a newer, more efficient technology; which gives less developed countries (LDCs) a disadvantage because they cannot compete with the growing technologies [1] Slow growth - it takes less developed countries (LDCs) more times to grow than more developed countries because they don't have the technology or education to keep up with them. [2] Lack of education and resources - less developed countries (LDCs) do not have enough education to be able to compete with the more developed countries because the education system in more developed countries (MDCs). They also do not have enough money for resources.

Forms of information data

a. Analog data - continuous b. Digital data - discrete

What are 5 types of data gathering technologies?

a. Cell phone (location data) b. Biometrics c. Black box d. RFID Chip e. Implantable GPS chips

Primary functions of computers

a. Communicate b. Calculate c. Control

What are the consequences of genetic transparency?

a. Discrimination by insurers b. Employment discrimination c. Genetic spying

Recent population change

a. Increase in immigrants b. Family planning c. Life expectancy increasing

New powers of biotechnology

a. Muscle enhancement b. Memory enhancement c. Height enhancement d. Sex selection [1]Growth hormone treatment [2] Reproductive technology