Tom Burtless Class time:11 – 11:50
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (excluding reference page)
Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: 1.3 – 1.4
1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. While technology can improve many aspects of life, it can also create new unforeseen issues.
b. When new technology is developed, ethics and rules behind the use of that technology new to be developed carefully.
c. Ethics cannot be categorized into one field or another. There are multiple theories of explaining ethics.
2. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
Within the section 1.3, Baase discusses that there are issues with any new emerging technology. The author uses the example of an ATM, which can have harmful effects from implementation that aren’t usually looked into. She discusses the areas of unemployment, alienation, crime, loss of privacy, and errors within the ATM’s system. Baase then discusses how these issues do have solutions and the reason we accept some issues with that technology is the convenience it provides. The author then moves on to the topic of Themes, in which Baase describes the variety of topics discussed in the book and how they are relevant to technology.
In section 1.4, Baase discusses ethics in relation to technology. Baase presents several outlooks of ethics from the standpoint of Deontological, Ulitarianism, and natural rights. Baase discusses the strengths of each point of view but how all of them have flaws in determining what is ethically right to do. Baase discusses that situations are too complex to be placed under one outlook. The author closes out section 1.4 and chapter one discussing distinctions in ethics. Through out this sub section, the author details several situations where ethical views may be conflicting,
3. (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 solution to the issues set forth in both section 1.3 and 1.4 revolve around understanding a piece of technology’s true impact on society. In order for all the issues set in place (as discussed in section 1.3) to be resolved, any possible disadvantage of a new technology must be made aware. Is the convenience of shopping on the Internet for clothing worth the local clothing store going out of business and people losing jobs? Is typing your credit card information on that online website going to be safe?
Ethical questions need to be raised whenever a new piece of technology is put into place. How that technology can be used, what it is used for, and who can use it all raise significant ethical questions. If a new computer is built to be used by the military that can launch nuclear missiles, who is to obtain the right to use such a machine? When would the machine need to be used?
4. (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? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how it applies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in 2 full sentences.
In section 1.4, the author discusses ethics in great detail. Not only how it relates to technology, but to all human forms of contact. Ethical situations are faced every day in almost every aspect of life. From my own personal experience, I have had to deal with ethically challenging situations.
I work in a retail environment selling electronics to people and am pushed by my management to sell warranty plans. Now, some devices I think might require such a warranty plan. However, I’m pushed to sell ones for devices that I don’t think require one. Is it ethical for me to sell a product that I don’t believe a customer requires?
This situation can be looked at from the Deontological theory, where me lying to the customer if they ask, “Do you think I need this?” is considered unethical. Through utilitarianism, the impact of me telling that customer that they do need the product increases utility to my managers and the company I work for. However, down the line, it may decrease the utility of the customer when they realize they never needed the warranty.
This section applies to Bloom’s taxonomy in the analysis stage, where ethics can most certainly be applied to situations outside technology. The synthesis stage is also crucial in ethics and issues, because people differ in supporting the ideas displayed in the book.
5. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do agree with what is being stated in these sections of the chapter, because with each new development in technology we face more ethical questions and growing issues. I back my statement up with an article from Medical News Today, which discusses a possible link of cell phones to cancer (Nordqvist).
This article raises questions of convenience versus possible health risks. Is our health and well being worth being able to contact or be contacted? This may be a difficult question to ask depending on who you are. Along with that, is it ethical for cell phone companies to sell these products with no cancer-warning label? The new conclusion that I draw from this is that no matter how small or large the technological implication, there can be drastic outcomes.
6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
These topics are relevant now more than ever in society. For instance, on the issue of SOPA, ACTA, and PIPA, there are many ethical questions to be asked. In an article from Wired.com, the author discusses how a group of rebellious hackers named Anonymous hacked a web server in rebellion of ACTA, which is the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Quinn). ACTA, which was designed to protect copyright infringement, has also been link to possibly “curtail freedom of expression on the Internet.” This clearly raises ethical issues within the use of legislation towards the Internet. How can we try to protect but at the same type not disable? How does Anonymous have the ethical grounds to hack a web server because companies are sick of having their products pirated? There are many questions raised in this situation.
After reading this chapter, I will look beyond the immediate gratification of technology. I will look into how technology needs to be dealt with carefully and delicately. Ethically I will try to look at situations from not only a personal perspective, but from all the perspectives defined by Baase.
References
Nordqvist, Christian. "Cellphones Possibly Linked To Cancer Risk In Humans, World Health Organization." Medical News Today: Health News. 31 May 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. .
Quinn, Norton. "Anonymous Promises Regularly Scheduled Friday Attacks | Threat Level | Wired.com." Wired.com. 17 Feb. 2012. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. .
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