My Answers for HWproj1

Q1: List 1 or more possibilities you are considering for a project topic. There should be some connection to the course, but mostly it is up to you – seek topic(s) that you would find interesting to dig into. Length requirement: at least 10 sentences or bullet points listing topics and/or things about topic(s).

A: I will be discussing one of two ethical cases. The first involves the ethics behind giving emotions to robots/artificial intelligence. The second involves the ethics behind creating a bridge between the organic and the synthetic, like with Elon Musk's Neuralink. Both topics are connected to one another, as both deal with giving human aspects to a synthetic lifeform.

Case 1 Notes:

 

• Giving robots emotions could be viewed as unethical by some.
• Robots with emotions would essentially be new lifeforms, but many would still view them as just machines.
• Playing God (creating "life") could be viewed as unethical. 
• Would it be ethical to bring sentient "life" into this world knowing that discrimination would follow? Possibly even slavery?

 

Case 2 Notes:

 

 

• Bridging the gap between the organic and synthetic world might also be viewed as taking a step towards creating life and thus, could result in it being an unethical decision.
• Some might view giving machines fleshy parts in a similar light as the creation of Dr. Frankenstein's monster. It could be viewed as creating abominations depending on how the public came to know of the process and how the process was implemented.
• This could lead to AI being able to process and feel pain. Is this ethical?

 

Goal:

I must identify situations where these cases are able to be done ethically and cases where they would be most certainly unethical.


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Q2: List the possibilities you are considering for project format, the pluses and minuses of each, and your preferences and opinions. Also discuss the question of individual vs. group project. Then decide (it is ok to change it later). If you already decided and don’t have any other possibilities to consider, then get started on it by providing some content to meet the length requirement. Length requirement: at least 10 sentences or bullet points.

A: I am considering either doing a report or making a video. 

Report Pros:

• I am excellent at writing/typing quickly and concisely.
• No speaking, so less stress to say things efficiently in a short time-frame. 
• I am guaranteed to get my point across.
• Easier to create a plan for a report.

Report Cons:

• It could take more time to type out a full report than it would to make a video.
• I have to pay more attention to citation format.

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Video Pros:

• It might be faster to make a video than it would be to write or type out a report.
• Emotion is better conveyed in a video, which could be important for discussing touchy ethical cases.

Video Cons:

• I'm not the best at giving speeches or lectures, I often wander off point due to having ADD.
• In some ways videos take more planning. While there isn't an essay structure you have to form, it does still require you to put your thoughts and words together in a concise and elegant way.

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Q3: (a) Go the the “Course Information” tab on the course web site. Read about the course, especially the parts about the project. Note on your blog any questions you have, or note that you don’t have any questions. (b) Then go to the “Syllabus” tab on the course web site.  Read over it. Note on your blog any questions you have, or note that you don’t have any questions.

A:

• (a) I have no questions.
  
• (b) I have no questions.

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Feel free to comment below with anything you might like to add!