Note: What follows is an outline of resources and topics appropriate to our subject. Clearly, it is not practical to enter each of these topical categories in depth within the confines of a single semester. Given, however, that this is a seminar which, among other things, implies democratic organization of the course, we will expect that consensus of the class will determine choices as we approach each of the topics.

 

 

UN504.01

 

Defining a Successful Life in the 21st Century

 

 

 

Syllabus

 

 

Meeting Time: Tu-Th 4:30-5:45 Room HIGGINS 260

Overview

 

The past shaped the present and the present shapes the future.

 

Seminar:

In a seminar course, not only the instructor but equally the class members are responsible for the specific content, structure, and direction of the classes. Broad discussion and argument are expected. Expressions of dissent and of individual opinions are strongly encouraged ^. Important! Each reading assignment in the Calendars below becomes a topic for discussion in the assigned sessions.

Grading:

Based 50% on class participation and class attendance; 50% on written assignments.

 

 

Outlook

 

Because we are confronted by an overwhelming rate of change in nearly every aspect of our lives, brought about by the rapid introduction of new technologies, we must discover how best to cope with these changes in a practical, sensitive, and responsible manner. We must decide why and how we shall incorporate them into our lives or, indeed, whether or not we shall. We all hope to enjoy a secure, tranquil future, free of anxiety, with ample time to enjoy family and friends, to contemplate the wondrous cycles of life around us, to indulge in our own creative pursuits, and to enjoy the work of others in the arts, literature, and sport. We desire a career, the pursuit of which brings not only economic security, but also provides excitement, pleasure and a strong sense of self respect. We wish constantly to grow and to learn something new each day. We want our lives to be ethically and morally responsible, useful, and productive, for us and for those whom we love. We must, also, remember to be sensitive and responsive to those in need both close to home and far away. We hope to measure our success not just in economic terms, but as well through responsible involvement locally and in the world around us. Peace, security and equal opportunity for neighbors close by and throughout this shrinking globe, must be high on our agenda and part of the ingredients of our successful life.

This is no simple task. We must learn, where the wrong turns lie, and what are the possibilities for avoiding them Above all it becomes easier when we appreciate the universality of the needs and desires of all of humanity now, in the distant past and into the future.. The important goal is to keep our technology from becoming in charge of us, rather than our being in charge of it.

 

 

 

Technology and the Future by Albert H. Teich 9th ed. 2002, Wadsworth ISBN 0534604269 paperback (required)

Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy , Dover thrift edition 1996, Dover Publications (required)

Visions of Technology by Richard Rhodes, 1999. Simon and Schuster , (optional, on reserve)

(Also , in addition to the texts: A separate notebook to serve as a journal. and a loose leaf binder in which to keep handout^s)

Some Useful Web Sites:

Britannica Online http://search.eb.com/

Great Depression

http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=296545&query=great%20depression

      Nuclear Energyhttp://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=298177&query=nuclear%20energy

World War 2 http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=299985&query=world%20war%20ii

Henry Ford

              http://search.eb.com/eb/article?query=henry+ford&eu=117255&tocid=22461

Global Warming : http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=335478&query=global%20warming

Greenhouse Effect:

http://search.eb.com/ebi/print?eu=296564

Nanotechnology:

http://www.nanozine.com/WHATNANO.HTMw

Automobile

http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=294789&query=automobile

           Birth Control:

http://search.eb.com/eb/print?eu=108650

Genetics: http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=296414&query=clone

Cloning: http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=295524&query=cloning

Global Warming II: Kyoto and other issues: http://search.eb.com/search?ct=&query=kyoto+protocol&submit.x=9&submit.y=9

On Reserve in O’Neil:

Ferkiss, Victor C. Nature, technology, and society : cultural roots of the current environmental crisis GF21.F47 1993

Rhodes, Richard, Visions of technology : a century of vital debate about machines, systems, and the human world T20 .V57 1999

Blumenfeld, Yorick: Scanning the Future, CB161.S43 1999

Jackson, Shirley: The Lottery and Other Stories ,PS3519.A392.L6 1991

Allen, Frederick Lewis, The Big Change: America transforms itself , 1900-1950 E169.1 .A4717

Carson, Rachel, Silent Spring SB959 .C3 1987

Levi, Primo, The Sixth Day PQ4872E8A6 1990

Serling, Rod More Stories from the Twilight Zone; A Thing About Machines.

 

 

 

 

Topics

             1. Introduction to the Seminar: Overview of Issues. Organizing class discussion

Discussion : Which of the 107 assumptions do you consider to be the most important? How do you define a "successful life"? What would you add to or subtract from the list? What changes in you lives do you expect to experience in the net two decades as a result of new technologies–changes in life style, transportation, medical care, education, work places and working conditions, communication, family life? What is a "technological fix?

           2. Is the Earth for our exploitation?

Discussion : Questions at end of "Background Meditations"

How do the "Oriental" religions differ from the Judeo-Christian in their approach to the resources of the earth and their exploitation? Which are the more protective of the environment? Explain.Journal Entry: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two attitudes toward the resources of the earth.

           3 . Technology Today: What has changed since 09/11/01?

Discussion: What do we mean by "progress?" What has changed since 09/11/01?     

Do you believe that technological innovations have made this generation more well off  (more comfortable, more secure, more responsible, more aware of our place in the world)   than that of your parents/grandparents? Explain.

Are you as pessimistic about the future as Michael Ryan? Why/Why not? What other examples of society’s role in developing new technologies can you think of?

Journal:

Enter your responses to the one or two "Discussion Topics" that you consider the more important.

4. What sort of creatures are we? Consider the paradox between our professed morality and our violent behavior. Has warfare become more humane?

Discussion: The history of humanity contains a dismal litany of slaughter in he name of religion, territory, racism, greed and sometimes even "whimsy". Why can't we live in peace?

            Journal: Why ?

           5. Unintended Consequences I

It is generally conceded that the introduction of technological innovations never succeeds in accomplishing only what is intended. Other things always accompany new technologies, some predictable, some unexpected; some beneficial, some undesirable or even damaging. These events are sometimes called "externalities"; the good positive; the bad, negative. The assessment of new technologies, and an analysis of the cost/benefit ratio should be part of every technological innovation).

             6. Henry Ford

Discussion: The Model T introduced to the world an affordable means of personal transportation, relieving people from much of their dependence on domesticated followed during those early years?? To what extent was Henry Ford a benevolent contributor to society? To what extent did he do harm?

           7. Unintended Consequences II:

            Pesticides, herbicides, aerosols, atomic energy, computers, cellular phones, the Pill, "The Green Revolution",

and other panaceas.

Issues: What do "unexpected consequences" tell us about what we should do before we cross the threshold into new technologies. What are the criteria? Given the benefits of the Green Revolution in places like India, would it have been better to seek to employ other solutions to famine there? Why/why not?

Written /Discussion:

What was the motivation behind the development of the nuclear bomb?

What other anticipated consequence motivated further decisions?

How did DDT turn from a panacea in the elimination of disease—carrying to a hazard.

What are some of the unanticipated consequences of the development of "the pill"?

While antibiotics have brought control over many illnesses, the evolution of resistant microorganisms has created new problems–what should we do about it?

What are some of the "technological fixes" that have helped (or will help overcome the negative externalities of our most important technologies?

Written: How can (or should—why/why not?) ordinary citizens participate in assessing new technologies? (pages 3-7 )

           8. Technological Choices I–genetic engineering, cloning and associated technologies.

Issues: What are the ethical issues surrounding genetic engineering, cloning of animals and humans and stem cell research?

          Discussion: Why is human cloning thought to be undesirable ("repugnant").

Under what circumstances would human cloning be desirable?

What is the moral/ethical issue surrounding human cloning?

What has all this to do with the stem cell controversy?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of cloning animals and plants?

Journal: Meditate on a world where cloning had become common practice for a means of "improving" the quality of the population. What would be the objectives, and what would be the reult?

Written: What is your position vis-a-vis cloning of humans, animals, plants? Justify your stand. (5-7pages)

            9. Technological Choices II

Issues: Our obligation to posterity. The legacy of previous generations. Global Warming, energy resources, development of less polluting energy. The Kyoto Protocol.

Discussion What is our obligation to posterity? What if the generations prior to  yours had been more sensitive to matters of resources, pollution, and global  warming? What should we do about global warming; Ignore it? Participate in a dialogue about it? Join in efforts to reduce it? What are the ethical and moral issues associated with these matters?

10. Predicting the Future: What is the nature of a utopian social order? How practical is the Bellamy model in the context of today? Compare the 1888 social utopia with the arguments of Richard Sclove ( Technological Politics As If Democracy Really Mattered). Revisit One Hundred Seven Assumptions… and compare your initial opinions on it with your opinions now? What has changed. What would you add/subtract? What is your opinion of the dialogue between Bill Joy, and John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid? What is your ideal future society?

Written: Describe and discuss your ideal future. (5 to 15 pages--final exam)

Background Meditations II 2c

References.