FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM SET

November 13, 1997

1. Unless some general catastrophe occurs, it seems as if the present technological society will continue to develop and encompass more of the world's cultures and resources.

Reflect on some possible long range effects and changes that may occur and their various consequences. What sorts of guide lines might we folow to make such a technological society sustainable in both human and environmental terms?

 

2. In its introduction a new technology affects different social groups unevenly. Choose a particuler social group that has suffered various ill effects from technological development, describe the kinds of measures that might alleviate the situation.

3. Various authors that we have read address the problem of "humanizing technology." What does this mean? Discuss and comment on the various philosophies expounded and suggestions offered.

4. The continuation of the computer revolution and the development of genetic biology promise to produce radical changes in the choices we make and the kind of society we develop. Choose one of these technologies and discuss some of the likely changes and challenges they promise.

5. What is meant by Haraway's suggestion of "womn as cyborg?" What is the problem she is concerned with, and how are her suggestions meant to address the problem of women in a technological world?