Reflection- Overview of the class

Overview of the class

 

Throughout the semester I have gained a broader concept of the relation between science, technology, and inequality. Many things were brought to my attention that I never realized before. Not only does it relate to the inequalities, there are advantages to it as well. As a result to class, I have given both perspectives that technology enhancements produce. The advancements help in the case of disabled, medication, gaining access, and many more as a result; the only disadvantage is for those who do have the opportunity to experience what technology has to offer them.

Overall, I can’t believe the semester has come to an end. The structure of the class made it interesting and easily accessible. I knew from the day you said that we did not have test and that the readings were provided to us that this was going to be my kind of class. I learned more with class engagement and posting blogs online. The last class was definitely the best. Not only did we get pizza but also we got the chance to see the Lim’s talents. So, for all the students that left, you should have stayed. We had to get in front of the class and give an explanation of what we learned this semester. Basically I talked about the subject regarding path dependency and technology momentum. I found it interesting how much we depend on what it out there. The example I use was when she had the discussion of keyboards and how we are use to the way it is formatted. If letters were switched around, adjustments would have to be made and that were the expansion takes place. Technology will continue to grow; it is only a matter of time to catch up to it and prevent the inequalities that exist.

Reflection #13: Science and Technology in Emerging Economy

Reflection #13: Science and Technology in Emerging Economy

            Our topic this week in class was based on the discussion of emerging economics involving science and technology that take place Vietnam and China. The main focus On Tuesday’s class was in regards to Vietnam and Thursday we viewed the comparison between both countries in terms of economics. The readings seemed very long and I was able to get more out of the lectures when comprehending the material that was provided for this week. Most of the information presented I found to be interesting because some of the situations brought up, I was unaware of. 

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia and has a population of 82.7 billion people in the dimensions of 127,545 square miles. It is known for one of the safest country in the region for business and investment. The items that were being exported include: crude oil, marine products, textiles, garments, shoes, fisheries products, footwear, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, electronics. That consisted of spending 25.3 billion dollars. As for the items being imported there was things such as: petroleum products, machinery and equipment, steel products, fertilizer. The cost of importation was 30.9 billion dollars. It is interesting to see the money that is invested in these items and that it cost more to obtain these necessities. The Governments standpoint toward innovation was liberalizing of trade.  The main concern was the accomplishments that will happen in the year 2010. However, Vietnam may have good policies they lack good attitude toward implementation. According on Thursday lecture, The main similarities that these countries have in common are Socialist, ASIA, high population, centralized, high labor, low budget, and lack of demand.  Some of the differences that were mention are Cultural Revolution and major outsourcing countries.

 

Reflection #12- Sustainable cities and Curitiba

On Thursday, The lecture was on the subject of sustainable cities and the case of Curitiba. The clip that we watched was based on a lecture this professor gave, which was about achieving this sustainable world and in order to accomplish that we have to work with the combinations provided in our society. We must never compete in the same space; meaning that there are too many providers of transportation that over crowd cities and cause pollution. I found the analogies being used were interested when the speaker was referring to different means of transportation. He gave a description of a turtle as an example of how we function in cities as for living and working together. Another description he proposed was relating “the car” and “mother in law” which he made the statement that you must have a good relationship with her but you don’t have to commend to her. Many people rely on the automobiles for main source of transportation, which explains the toxic waste that surrounds our environment. The initiative that is being addressed is the need for improvements to be made on our public transportation systems. 

The article that was assigned was in regards to an agricultural state located in the south of Brazil, called Curitiba. The place is known to for having innovative public transportation system based on buses that have made enhancements on the development of the city and the quality of life. However, to make it a livable city they link land use, transportation, and urban design. Buses could carry up to 1.9 million passengers in 2003 and that accounts for 70% of total transport. The master plan in this case was to provide economic support, encourage local communities, promote linear development, integrate traffic management, and create institution.

 

       

Reflection #11- Technology and Generations

On Thursday, Gabriel gave a lecture on generations and technology. In regards to current event Gabriel previewed the generations that McCain and O’bama were living in. As for McCain, he lived in the “Silent Generation” that dealt with oppression. O’bama on the other hand grew up in the generation that was called “baby boomers” and that was a time that dealt with lifelong prosperity, civil rights movement, and feminist.  

              The discussion became interesting when we got on the topic of the “millennium”. There is this perception of generation Y that is seen as selfish, not interested, achieving success, and money. Although this may not pertain to everyone apart of our generation it does fit the description in some way. Given the technology provided there are many distractions that consume our generation and we can’t image life without it. The video we watch in class expressed and showed the generalizations that students face when relying on the use of technology. Students were laughing at some parts of the clip because in a lot of ways it was true. We apply technology to our daily lifestyle. There is an attachment that we have to certain types of technological advancement in order to keep up with the rest of society. Basically, we live through a generation that multitask and acquire different roles. This then forces individuals to take on all these obstacles to keep up with this lifetime. Overall, The accomplishments that we want to reach is the “American Dream” in order to be successful.

             When we got into groups and elaborated on the discussion of technology and education. Our generation is what you refer to as compulsive information consumers. Many of us obtain the information because we have to in order to climb the latter. Universities are seen as a corporation and the students get the education necessary in order to get the degree they need. I do agree that in the present days we do lack the intimacy of human interaction but the reason for that is our attention is primarily focused on what technology has to offer that prevents us from making any effort. Although I do not disagree with the expediency of technology because it has provide our society with many opportunities that we just so happen to take advantage of.  

Voting- Extra Credit

Unfortunately for the election of 2008, I was unable to vote, not by choice, but because I was not registered. I thought that I was registered but when I found out I was not, it was already too late. When I signed up with the school a year ago, something obviously went wrong. I was really disappointed to not take part in this years election as it was an important part of a history in the making and it would have been my first time voting. However, I still contributed by paying attention to detail as if I was able to vote. All I can do now is wait another four years and have the opportunity to be apart of it when the next election comes.

            When evaluating the candidates there many different perspectives that influenced this years election. There were a lot of controversies presented throughout the voting selection, as we were about to elect the 44^th President of the United State of America. Each candidate since the start of the primaries had contrasting policies. Identity play major role in accordance to gender, age, and race. This was the first time we had an African American man running for President and women selected to run for Vice President. It was important to determining who was capable for the position and each candidate had what it takes. As for voters that participated there was increase in minorities and youth when selecting their candidates. Many who voted put in early ballots but on November 4^th there were still massive lines at the polls. Personally, I am curious to see the changes that we are about to invoke. As a result of the election, I feel that each candidate was well spoken and had much to offer. Overall this transition may unexpectedly be for the better or for worse. At least point, who’s to say what future lies ahead of us.  

Reflection #10- Guest Speaker

In class on Tuesday, the guest speaker by the name Dr. J.W. Smith, spoke about the topic of economics.  The presentation he gave was hard to follow because he discussed numerous subjects when referring to matters of the economy. The difficulty when trying to understand was mainly because I was unfamiliar with all the complexities that he “quickly” touched based on. He seemed to feel very strongly about this topic and was really opinionated when stating his position. Overall, you can tell that he knowledgeable on the subject but because the presentation he provided came directly out of the power point it was hard to maintain focus and being able to comprehend the ideas that he had addressed.

When reviewing the slides I noticed that the ideas pertained to the issues of war and poverty. The main points he referred to were the different monopolies on land, healthcare, insurance, technology, and banking.  Mainly he made the distinction that resources produce wealth and that is when the war began. Dr. Smith mentioned that he study this way of thinking his entire life and seemed sure that this theory was causing our economy to behave in such way. The point of his lecture was that he wanted to “economize our thinking.” I could not really say whether I agree or disagree because I did not pay much attention to detail but he did make some valid points towards the end. I do appreciate that he gave a different perspective and that he showed enthusiasm about this subject matter. He did provide much needed information and the lecture had potential; however, it was not exactly effective when trying to relate and being able to follow along.

Reflection #9- Nuclear and World Politics

Reflection #8- Nuclear and World Politics

 

            There is a lot that is unsaid about the power plants that exist all around us. There seems to be this avoidance when discussing the seriousness of this case because the media does expose it the public. The reason for this is that it will only create fear, misunderstanding, and controversy. When engaging in class discussion on Thursday, we talked mostly about nuclear power plants. I am still unfamiliar with the complexities of the situations that pertained to this topic and I never seemed to pay much attention to it. However, Arizona is known for having one of the biggest power plants around. The purpose is the production of energy, which eventually enhances technology, occurs when waste is being discarded. There are many precautions that nuclear plants can impact on society, especially if you endure long-term exposure. Employees that happen to work at these plants run a high risk of getting cancer.

            Overall, there are 103 Nuclear power plants in the United States, most of them are located in the east coast because the western area is considered unstable and earthquakes result in causing destruction. This makes up 20% of the county’s energy. Internationally, Nuclear plants are located in USA, South America, Europe, West Asia, East Asia, and Africa. There was an international campaign that wanted to abolish nuclear weapons. Many believed that the reason for nuclear existences was that it had to do with “national pride.” This made me realize that there is a lot to consider but not enough to know what exactly its purpose is for.       

 

   

Reflection Essay #7- Science, Education, and Gender

In regards to technology we have to make this distinction of inequality that is permitted on the subject of science, education, and gender. The comparison made in this weeks discussion referred to Gender and the topic of DNA. On Tuesday we started our discussion about a female named Stephanie Shirley who preferably went by the name of Steve. The reason for this was the privileges that the name offered, given that this was a typical guys name. During the era of the 1960’s women had a difficult time with gaining respect in the work force. She wanted to be a computer programmer but was denied the position because men had an advantage over women. The quote stated in the lecture “once upon a time science was women” symbolizes females as a contributor of science and created controversies within society. This was the framework of Gender discrimination that exists and women were expected to accept what is out there.  In the decision making process there happen to be a lot of gender bias and this enhance the inequality that took place given the benefits that men placed over women. The issue is reoccurring and in order for women to gain respect they have to prove themselves to men by working twice as hard.

            As for a different perspective, there was the discussion about DNA being portrayed as unfair in response to the justice system. On Thursday, Gabriel leads the lecture by raising the question on whether DNA is positive or negative contribution to the justice system? As a result there are overestimating ideas that relates to DNA when serving inequalities. DNA technology does not bring more equality to the justice system it is just there for the purpose of resources. Therefore DNA does not always reach justice. In the article it mentioned that within the criminal justice system, “it is better to be guilty and rich then innocent and poor.” This simply means that you can seek justice by buying your way out of it because if it is affordable then you have a way manipulate the system. We rely on the accuracy of this technology to prove guilty or innocent. The article also presents the case on O.J. Simpson basically showing the circumstance involved in consideration to race when murdering his wife who was white and the control he was able to gain from the money invested in his trial. Majority of people convicted of crimes are minorities and the whole system unconsciously targets them. Accusations are made based off race, class, and gender; economical status places importances when it comes to the advantages that technology has. Technology has no moral connotation; it matters on how we use it that really depends on whether it is determined as good or bad.

Reflection Essay #6- Distributive Justice

Distributive Justice

What is justice? Although a definitive answer to this question may not be clear, for years society has attempted to construct multiple meanings of the term. How and where should ethics be implemented and enforced in our society? From an expert’s standpoint, the varying definitions of justice fall under four categories: the libertarian engine, the utilitarian accelerator, the contractarian distributor, and the communitarian driver.

Libertarian fundamentals of justice focus primarily on the protection of property rights. According to Susan E Cozzens, “working from respect for individuals in a market economic framework libertarians consider justice to be achieved when individuals are able to exercise their rights to property in a free market” (Cozzens 86). Libertarian principles are based mainly upon the rights to this free market system – the cycle in which a party gives benefits to those who give them something in return.

In the ideals of the utilitarian accelerator, the implementation of justice is fair as long as it benefits the overall well-being. Following this policy, the utilitarian standpoint sees the value of government aid in research and development. This funding is thought to enhance the overall “good” of society utilizing the “trickle down” concept of economic growth.

A contractarian distributor believes that a fair system of justice consists of congruence between individuals after deliberation. According to John Rawls, “the moral system is one that individuals would agree to behind a ‘veil of ignorance,’ that is, they would not know what their starting position was” (Cozzens 89). This system of belief focuses on the utmost fairness of justice, in which the less fortunate receive some type of benefit.

Communitarian driver policy focuses on the inequalities between societal classes: “There is a significant body of empirical evidence to support the claim that growing inequality threatens community, within countries and globally, for instance, inequality produces worse health outcomes for everyone, not just the poor” (Cozzens 91). Communitarians see the dangers of an unregulated free-market; it has the power to increase the disparity between the rich and poor and disintegrate families and communities. This concept of justice seeks to bridge that gap.

Although each definition of justice listed above contains valid viewpoints and substantial research to support them, in actuality they are all just theories. The truth is, we are never going to have a single understanding of what justice and why it must exist. We can conclude, however, that despite the varying opinions, it will always be recognized that justice is essential one way or another.

Outline for Final Research Paper- “Cochlear Implants”

Cochlear Implants

Deaf vs. Hearing

“Only this time you can decide…”

Description: Technology enhancements can be favorable for those in need of it and it creates a dependency for those that rely on it. The focus of my research paper has to do with the contradictions that technology imposes on society. The purposeful aspect of technology can often lead to the inequality that it possesses. In contribution to technology based off the idea of cochlear Implants, provided for the deaf culture, has been beneficial but at the same time diminishes the traditions that the deaf society represents. Progressively as time goes on people have the ability to make a choice resulting to change their identity of not having to remain deaf anymore. On the other hand that choice may effect what others are accustomed to with the acceptance of being born deaf in which technology may infringe upon.

Methods: Surveying/ interviewing (my grandmother who lost her hearing at an older age and fellow classmates that I have taken ASL who were born deaf), Researched developed in Previous classes that correspond with American Sign Language, medical magazine, resources: books, internet

Research Question: What are the impacts that technology has in relation to cochlear implants and how if effects the perspective of the different cultures? Whether you lost hearing at an older age in comparison to those that are born deaf. What makes them a deaf culture? Was cochlear implants the cause for separation?

Outline 

1. Intro
   1. About the deaf culture
   2. Contribution of technologies
   3. Discouragements
2. How technology has enhanced throughout the deaf culture
   1. Progression

i. Communication- TTY, web cam, text messaging

ii. Cochlear Implants

iii. Wireless Implants

1. Eligible
   1. Capable of surgery
   2. Procedures
   3. Expectations
2. Beneficial
   1. Impact it has those who were hearing previously and became deaf
   2. Effectiveness
3. Impact on those who were born deaf
   1. Culturally unacceptable or acceptable
   2. Born deaf within an hearing family (not having a choice)
   3. Consideration of Cochlear implant (if they had the chance to get the surgery would this be an option to them?)
4. Inequality’s
   1. Qualification
   2. Cost of surgery
   3. Too advanced
   4. No Guarantee’s of working properly
5. Conclusion
   1. Result
   2. Answer research question

Conclusion: Overall I am seeking to find out the pros and cons that technology has on those that are born with this disability. The purpose is to make sense of the adjustments that are being made and the changes that one has to endure considering both perspectives. To some extent this is relates to the thought of path dependence and it comes down to the issue of morality.

Resources

Book:

Inside Deaf Culture

Carol A. Padden, Tom L. Humphries

Cochlear Implants in Children

By John B. Christiansen, Irene Leigh

Internet:

http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=399061

http://organizedwisdom.com/helpbar/index.html?return=http://organizedwisdom.com/Pros_and_Cons_of_Cochlear_Implants?url=http://www.auditoryverbaltraining.com/ha-ci.htm

Cochlear Implants in Adults and Children. NIH Consens Statement
     Online 1995 May 15-17 [cited year month day]; 13(2):1- __.

http://organizedwisdom.com/helpbar/index.html?return=http://organizedwisdom.com/Pros_and_Cons_of_Cochlear_Implants?url=http://www.medhelp.org/lib/100coc.htm

http://www.vddhh.org/downloads/deafculturenewmaterialsforjune2008.doc