Assignment: Write an approximately 5 page paper (typed, double-spaced or the handwritten equivalent) on one of the topics below.
1. In "Technology, Demography, and the Anachronism of Traditional Rights," Robert McGinn argues that our conception of rights must change in the face of what he calls 'technological maximality.' Why does he say this? Is he correct? Defend your answer.What I Expect: A clear, well written essay in which you carefully address your chosen topic. While no specific portion of your grade will be based on your grammar/writing style, a paper must be well written (in both of these ways) in order to receive a high mark. For more writing advice or information on referencing, see the attached handout.2. In discussing the relationship between technology and the environment, we considered the 'Land Ethic.' This view that tells us that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action is to be assessed according to the effect that the action has on the 'biotic community'. This view reflects a commitment to an ecocentric view of ethics, i.e., one that claims every part of an ecosystem matters morally. Such a view contrasts with an anthropocentric view of ethics, according to which only human beings really matter morally and anything else is only instrumentally valuable (if it is valuable at all) . Discuss the question of what kinds of thing matter morally. Which view is correct: an ecocentric view, an anthropocentric view, or some other view? Defend your answer. (Note: Optional reserve readings will be made available for use with this topic.)
3. In "Technological Subversion," David Strong makes much of the distinction between 'devices' and 'things'. He uses this distinction to launch a general critique of our current attitudes to technology. Explain and assess this critique. Is it convincing? If it is, what should our new attitude towards technology be? Defend your answer.
4. As Stacey Edgar outlines in "Computers and Privacy," many new technologies pose a serious threat to personal privacy. How serious a problem is this? How important a value is privacy? What steps should be taken in order to preserve privacy? Defend your answer.
Policy on Late Assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date specified for the assignment. Late assignments will be accepted with no penalty if accompanied by a reasonable personal or medical excuse. (I reserve the right to ask for documentation to back up the excuse). Assignments handed in without a reasonable excuse will be penalized at a rate of 2 points per day late. Late assignments may not be revised and resubmitted.
* Please note that, as discussed in class, papers for section 1 will be accepted without penalty until Tuesday, Nov. 20. However, those students from section 1 who pass papers in on Nov. 20 will have their papers graded only after those from section 2 have been graded.