Chapter 2: Part 1

Name Chris Wyant
Class time: 12PM
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (EXCLUDING REFERENCE PAGE)

Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: 2.1 and 2.2

1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. Everything that we do online is recorded and linked to our computers like online searches and viewed images.
b. Invisible information gathering is the collecting of someone’s personal information without them knowing.
c. Dataveillance is the use of personal-data systems to collect personal information or monitor people.

2. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
Since computers have become so popular and advanced, our personal information has become more and more exposed. Society’s privacy is not as protected as it used to be. New technologies pose many threats to our privacy. What people do online is saved and linked to their computer. Both the federal and local governments maintain several databases containing our information. The government can be seen as in violation of “The Privacy Act of 1974”. Data mining programs have been issued to monitor searches to find potential terrorists. The “USA PATRIOT Act” weakened society’s 4th Amendment. The 4th Amendment continues to be weakened through time.

3. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
A new solution for this type of problem would be reinforcing the people’s rights stated in the 4th Amendment and The Privacy Act of 1974 and passing another law that specifically limits the power of the government to search someone. This will help keep our rights and keep our information that we do not want shared private.

4. (Analysis)Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how it applies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in 2 full sentences.
The best thing to relate privacy restrictions on
the internet to would be a child’s privacy being threatened and violated by a
cautious parent. The “Big Brother” internet program is similar to a child’s
parent because they both watch over the actions of another. (2.2) Some may see
the actions of the “Big Brother” program and the cautious parent as good and
fair while others may think that it is an illegal restriction of their privacy.
Also, as of now it is not necessary for governments to require search warrants
before reading someone’s email. (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9026629/Search_warrants_not_needed_to_monitor_Internet_use_court_says) I think that this
should be treated as if it were written mail in a mailbox and private property.

5. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do agree with what is being said, but only to an extent. Yes, I think that the governments watch us and save information about us. I also think that the local and federal governments could easily violate our privacy rights and consider it justified in some way. But, I do not think that our privacy is always being violated and it is also not a bad thing that some of these programs are out. Our privacy may feel threatened at times, but it is for the good of the group. These programs are used to catch terrorists and stop other illegal activity. One example of this is the program Obama passed called “Einstein 3” which is supposed to catch criminals online. (http://gawker.com/5306575/obama-goes-ahead-with-nsa-internet+monitoring-program) I think that whether we want our personal information read it will be, but generally it’s to a small extent and for a good cause.

6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
This topic is very relevant in today’s society. This is because this era society lives in now is extremely technologically based and we use computers frequently. We put a lot of trust into our computers and the information we put in them. The amount that governments should be allowed to see though is an ethical battle of right and wrong power uses. After reading this article I will be sure to watch what I post online knowing that somewhere it is being viewed and saved by someone I didn’t intend on sharing this information with.


References


Baase, Sara. A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and
the Internet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

Pareene. "Obama Goes Ahead With NSA Internet-monitoring Program." Friday
night newsdump. Gawker, 07,02,2009. Web. 26 Feb 2012.
monitoring-program>.

Rosencrance, L. Search warrants not needed to monitor internet use, court says.
Computerworld, 2007. Web. 26 Feb 2012. .

Chapter 1: 1.3-1.4

Name Chris Wyant
Class time: 12PM
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (EXCLUDING REFERENCE PAGE)

Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: 1.3-1.4

1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. There was an error with the ATMs for a large New York bank which caused accounts to debited twice for approximately $15 million.
b. A deontological idea is an idea where a distinction is made between ethical theories viewed as either positive or negative due to an intrinsic aspect.
c. Commercial laws define rules for economic
transactions and contracts.

2. (Comprehension)Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
Many issues involving the impact of technology have many pros and cons, but people generally only notice one side. We often prefer convenience over the benefits of the economy and society, as in the use of ATMs. We also trade off convenience for security and privacy. Laws also benefit people and businesses in different ways.
Ethics is known as a study of the definition of doing the right thing. People act based off of emotions therefore our choices are not always rational and right. Ethical rules are the moral rules for human interactions. Deontological (nonconsequentialist) ideas are ideas where a distinction is made between ethical theories viewed as either positive or negative due to an intrinsic aspect. These deontologists emphasize duty and absolute rules. They also state that logic and reason determine rules of ethical behavior. The main example of a consequentialist theory would be Utilitarianism. Someone’s utility is what satisfies their own personal needs and values. Utilitarianism is a very influential theory and it has several branches like act utilitarianism. We as a society have our natural rights which are fundamental rights and they include the right to life, liberty, and property. Negative rights (liberties) are rights which are acted without interference and claim rights (positive rights) force people to be obligated some people to provide certain things to other. There are also many conflicts between positive and negative rights. Laws are not always ethical and they do not always agree with one another. It isn’t always ethically right to do something that is right and vice versa.

3. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
A specific example I have which is related to this type of problem is errors with ATM machines. (1.3) My ATM card often does not work and I cannot withdraw money from the ATM. Also, a very good friend of mine had his ATM card stolen and had his account drained by a criminal. Tighter security would help identity fraud and theft. Placing cameras in ATMs could help detect and find the criminals. (http://www.scambusters.org/atmtheft.html) One way of helping prevent ATM theft is using the same ATM every time and searching for external devices placed on ATMs that could potential be cameras or card readers. (http://www.ehow.com/how_4410876_avoid-atm-scam-atm-theft.html)

4. (Analysis)Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how it applies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in
2 full sentences.
A good comparison for the issue of society being hurt due to people wanting the convenience that does not relate to technology would be the fast food industry. Fast food is generally very unhealthy and sometimes harmful to people yet society loves it because it is extremely convenient. (1.3) The issue here is that it is also cheaper to eat fast food than it is to eat healthy food. I would propose lowering the price of healthy food and implying a “fat tax” which taxes fat foods. Denmark is currently having a debate over the effectiveness of this act. (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/03/denmark-government-officials-impose-fat-tax/) Society as a whole is sometimes seen as lazy and the major emphasis we put on convenience over many other things is an example of this.

5. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do agree with what is being said because I feel as if we have given up security for convenience. Society is hurt because we tend to do things that best serve us individually rather than as a whole. Also, I agree that ethically right is not always legal and vice versa. It is legal to gamble and drink but it is not necessarily ethical to some people. I can conclude that every issue, regardless what it is has two sides. Also, majority of the time, it is not necessarily right in every way to one or another.

6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
This topic is without a doubt relevant in today’s society. This is because ethics are part of everyone’s life. Also we as society are hurt because of our individualistic ways of life. I am viewing this topic the way I am because I have personally experienced the harmful side effects of the importance of convenience. There are rights and wrongs to the reliance we place on convenience. Yes, it may make our lives easier, but at a cost. The main question though is, is there more rights or wrongs relating to convenience, especially involving personal things such as ATM and our wealth. I will think twice about relying on what is solely easiest and perhaps look at what may be ethically right.


References

Associated
Press. "Government Officials Impose 'Fat Tax' Fox News." Fox
News - Breaking News Updates Latest News Headlines Photos & News Videos.
Fox News, 03 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2012.
.

Baase, Sara. A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and
the Internet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

Contributor, EHow. "How to Avoid ATM Scam or ATM Theft EHow.com." EHow How to Videos, Articles & More -
Discover the Expert in You. EHow.com. EHow, 15 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb.
2012. .

Lanford, Audri/Jim. "Keep Safe From These ATM Scams." "Internet Scams,
Identity Theft, and Urban Legends: Are You at Risk?" Internet
Scambusters. Web. 18 Feb. 2012.
.

GMO's

Chris Wyant CIS 105 12 PM2/12/12

1) Remember when you were a tour guide for an Alien? The Alien is back and wants to understand what a GMO is. Explain this information to the Alien.GMO stands for a genetically modified organism. This is when scientists take the DNA, which is an organism’s structural code, and puts it into another organism. GMOs are also known as transgenic organisms. The transferring process itself is called genetic modification (GM) or genetic engineering.

2) State the controversy associated with GMO’s.
One controversy with GMO’s is over whether or not the GMO’s are harmful to eat. The long term effects on the human body from eating GMO’s have not been studied yet. Whether or not genetically engineering organisms is ethical is another controversy. In a way we are tampering with nature and trying to control it. Another controversy is whether or not it should be required to label what is GM and what is not. Some people want to know. One last controversy that GMOs may have is the effect on society. Rich nations will take advantage of GM and will put nations that produce all natural products out of business.

3) Are people’s reactions to GMO different in various regions of the world? Explain with references.
Yes, people’s reactions to GMOs are different in various regions around the world. Looking at Europe can be a prime example in showing the differences in views. Europe Parliament let the states decide whether or not they would allow or ban GM. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/06/europe-gm-crop-bans) This is because Europe has been dealing with GM for some time now. On the other hand, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Spain have just begun experimenting with GM. (http://www.euronews.net/2010/07/13/gmos-divide-europe/).

4) What’s your reaction to this topic? Explain with references.
My reaction to this topic is that it should be up to the people to decide whether or not GM should be allowed. Where it is accepted, labeling should be required. Although GM has been linked to disease and toxins, there have been no studies done to show the effects on the human body. Also, no long term studies have been done yet to show possible harms. (http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics) GM could be great for third-world countries that have little food because it could supply them and keep them from starving at a low cost. These articles all seemed to have a biased opinion against GMOs therefore doing more research, I found that there as many pros as there are cons to GMOs. (http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php). An example from this reading I researched was that they can help increase nutrients and help keep medicine last longer and be stronger.

5) Can GMO’s be changed? Should they be changed? Explain with references.
GMO’s can be changed because they are GM by humans. They can be changed to be more pesticide resistant or grow more crops that are stronger and better. (http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml) I think that they should be changed because we as humans are the dominant species on Earth and need to do what we have to in order to survive. We should use the powers and abilities we have to further better ourselves.

6) While reading "Institute for Responsible Technology. GMO Basics (Also explore at least two of the other tabs on this page:http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics" What were the two tabs that you explored? How did the information presented affect what you thought about GMO's?
The two tabs I explored were about the health risks that GM can cause (http://www.responsibletechnology.org/), and long term environmental effects that GMO’s may have (http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/dangers-to-the-environment). Both of these tabs expressed negative side effects and showed the harm the GMO’s can cause. They were all cons of this technological advance and neither showed pros. Reading these tabs made me lean towards prohibiting GMOs. The negative viewpoints of both of these tabs make the reader dislike GMOs and not see the positive side of them.

7) Typing out the exact quote from any of the readings (and referencing it) list one powerful statement that you read.
Put the statement in context and explain why this statement was powerful enough to remember. (What made you react to this information?)
“Genetically modified foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions, sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ studied in lab animals” is a very powerful statement because it forces a certain view point of GMOs on the reader. (http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics) This is very powerful because it can easily persuade people to instantly dislike GMOs without further reading. I was turned off when I read this and did not like the sound of GMOs. This statement makes GMOs sound like they are purely a bad thing.

References:

"Europe Paves Way for GM Crop Bans Environment Guardian.co.uk." Latest US and World News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian Guardiannews.com The Guardian. 6 July 2011. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/06/europe-gm-crop-bans.

"Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms." Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Human Genome Project Information, 5 Nov. 2008. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml.

"GMOs Divide Europe Euronews, Europa." GMOs Divide Europe. Euronews. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.euronews.net/2010/07/13/gmos-divide-europe/.

"Institute for Responsible Technology - GMO Basics." GMO Basics. Institute For Responsible Technology. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics.

Layton, Lyndsey. "FDA Rules Won't Require Salmon Labels." Washington Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis. 19 Sept. 2010. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/18/AR2010091803808.html.

Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" CSA. ProQuest, Apr. 2000. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php.

Assignment #4 Critical thinking #2

Name Chris Wyant
Class time: 12PM
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (EXCLUDING REFERENCE PAGE)

Author: Levi Rickert
Date of Publication: 2/3/2012
Book: Menominee Seventh Grader Suspended for Saying
“I Love You” in her Native Language
Sections read: http://www.nativenewsnetwork.com/menominee-seventh-grader-suspended-for-saying-i-love-you-in-her-native-language.html#menominee-seventh-grader-suspended-for-saying-i-love-you-in-her-native-language


1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. I was not aware that there was such a language known as Menominee spoken, nonetheless spoken in Wisconsin.
b. A girl named Miranda Washinawatok was benched for a basketball game because she spoke her native language in front of a teacher that could not comprehend her.
c. The only reconciliation that Ms. Washinawatok received was that of a generic apologetic letter as well as a public apology.

2. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
In “Menominee Seventh Grader Suspended for Saying “I Love You” in her Native”, a young girl is benched from her basketball game by her coach because she spoke her native language in front of the coaches and the coaches could not comprehend what she was saying. All that was said in Menominee was “Hello, I love you”. Washinawatok’s mother pushed to figure out why her daughter was benched and finally found out the true reason. She held several meetings with the principal in order to try and make things right. Ms. Washinawatok received a written apology as well as a public apology addressed to her, her parents, guardians, and the Menominee tribe.

3. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
A specific example similar to this problem would be when the mentally insane people were locked away because we could not understand them. The people that held power in towns or cities would lock away anyone who was mentally ill because they didn’t know what they were saying and because they were different. This is similar to Ms. Washinawatok because she was punished because she was different and not understood. The solution to this problem is to spend more time with the people that are “different” and try and understand their way of living, not just punish them for being “different”.

4. (Analysis)Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how itapplies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in full sentences. I would compare this situation to the one in Arizona where a woman was denied a job in a local government office because she did not speak English well enough. (http://www.publicceo.com/2012/02/arizona-candidate-for-local-office-hits-language-barrier-campaign-suspended/)%20 Her campaign was shut down not because she wasn’t capable, but because her native language was not English. Just like Ms. Washinawatok in “Menominee Seventh Grader Suspended for Saying “I Love You” in her Native Language”, she was also punished due to difference in their languages. Here as well, people didn’t accept this woman because of her differences.

5. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do not agree with how Ms. Washinawatok was treated and then apologized to. Our
“Linguistic Rights” states our right to speak our native language. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_rights) Violating this right should have earned more response and there should have been much more compensation for Ms. Washinawatok’s troubles than just an apology. Unfortunately people have yet to adjust to present day life and our freedom’s we possess as individuals.

6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
Yes this topic is relevant in today’s society because it was a very recent article showing that it is still a concern. Also the example of the Arizona woman who lost her campaign due to her native language not being English is also very recent. A violation of ethics can be seen from reading the paper by Levi Rickert. I will hopefully treat others with all respect to their customs and beliefs. People should not be judged based on how they look or what language they speak.

References

Local Governments. "Arizona Candidate for Local Office Hits Language Barrier,
Campaign Suspended PublicCEO." PublicCEO California Local
Government News. 07 Feb. 2012. Web. 07 Feb. 2012.
.

Wikipedia. "Linguistic Rights." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 24 Jan.
2012. Web. 07 Feb. 2012.
.