Module 5 Discussion
Forum Instructions
In a post below, respond to the following prompt, which assess the course outcome of evaluating the processes and critical debates that have shaped human history.
Your [first] post is due on [day of week] by [time] CST. Your response to another student is due on [day of week] by [time] CST. [Adjust for number of posts required.]
Your response should be at least [length requirement in words, sentences, or paragraphs] long. This includes responses to other students' posts. [Include previous sentence if necessary.] A simple “I agree” or “Yes” or “LOL” will not count. Please think about the questions and your peers' responses and reply thoughtfully and courteously, according to netiquette rules. Use good English grammar, correct punctuation, and complete sentences. While the posts will mostly be judged by their thoughtfulness and completeness, I reserve the right to take off points for grammatical errors, especially if they interfere with the clarity of the post.
Prompt
Welcome to our discussion board dedicated to exploring the profound interplay between philosophy, science, and technology. In this thread, we invite you to engage in thought-provoking conversations about the complex relationship between these domains and their impact on our understanding of the world and our place in it. Please select one of the following:
Discussion Points:
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The Nature of Scientific Knowledge:
- How do you define scientific knowledge? Is it objective and universal, or is it influenced by social and cultural factors?
- Discuss how philosophers like Thomas Kuhn and Steven Shapin challenge the traditional view of scientific knowledge as a straightforward accumulation of facts.
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The Role of Technology in Shaping Science:
- Reflect on Simon Shaffer's argument about the role of instruments and material culture in scientific practices. How do technologies shape the questions scientists ask and the answers they find?
- Share examples of historical or contemporary cases where technological advancements have led to paradigm shifts in scientific understanding.
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Ethical Implications of Scientific Advancements:
- Consider the ethical dilemmas that arise from scientific and technological developments. How do we balance the potential benefits with the potential risks?
- Engage in a dialogue about topics such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and the responsibility of scientists and technologists in shaping the future.
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Donna Haraway's Cyborg Manifesto:
- Dive into the concept of the cyborg as presented by Donna Haraway. How does the cyborg challenge traditional notions of identity, embodiment, and the boundaries between humans and machines?
- Discuss the implications of Haraway's ideas for our understanding of gender, individuality, and the human-technology relationship.
Due dates: You cannot set due dates for forums, so be sure to tell students when to post above. These dates will not appear on the Moodle calendar.
Ratings: will place the forum in the gradebook. You can set a maximum grade. Restricting ratings to a date range only affects when you can grade, and not when the activity is available to students.
Activity completion: You can select completion criteria and an expected completed date.