Science - Motor of Progress

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Animal rights arguments are the same as on humans pro - the research done can benefit the - rich people would have an advantage over the poor GE of Plants: GE is the same of plants as with humans and animals (s.o.). - technology can be misused, e.g. to fulfil their wishes (of a perfect child) - human gene pool will be damaged - makes plants resistant against diseases and insects environment - safe and healthy crops can be developed > less foods will be wasted for chain > could mutate being ,imperfect' - land can be used more efficiently reduced usage of pesticides - less plantation will be used, reducing > less ground-water and animals will be the source of income in third-world poisoned countries - bacteria within the plants won't be transferred to the consumer by consumption con dangerous method as it hasn't been explored yet - no known long-term effects in the food - the antibiotic-resistant crops may make us antibiotic-resistant too, making us vulnerable to certain diseases - too expensive for farmers and poor countries may have an impact on the soil and consumers (humans, animals) MODIFYING MANKIND Gene Doping: Gene Doping is the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells to enhance athletic performance. pro - side effects and possible health issues can be checked by doctors > athlete's health is protected can control and/or decrease abuse of doping in sports pro - could grant immortality could lead to health benefits (e.g. problems could be detected earlier) contra - the use of drugs is not only unhealthy, but can also lead to an addiction Transhumanism: Transhumanism is the scientific and technological alteration of the human race to go past its current physical and mental limitations. technological devices are already used to support humans > devices for the partially blind to see or for the handicapped or pacemakers - side effects could be too dangerous - promotion of the usage of drugs (e.g. children are often inspired by athletes) contra - immortality leads to overpopulation/human race won't end - an ideology for the rich since the poor cannot afford the technology - What remains of our human side? Are we human or technology then or a bit of both? - systems could be disrupted or hacked social divide between super-humans and non-super-humans Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. pro - unlimited memory - could be used to help and support the elderly (to keep them out of care homes) - make the everyday life easier since they can help with tasks like cleaning and cooking - are able to do jobs human are unable to do - efficient pro - the extinction of species can be prevented > less species will be endangered or go instinct - food production can be increased con - no feelings, no emotions - no social skills couples who want children but are unable to (infertile, same-sex couple) could get children - lack humanity (may frighten elders) - Under what laws and ethics would AI act? > new ethics and law system must be created - could be hacked, infiltrated, manipulated - easy tasks will be taken over by robots, meaning people will be replaced > people loose their jobs Cloning: Cloning is the creation of one or several genetically identical individuals of an individual. - If something were to go wrong, who would be responsible? contra - the process isn't entirely safe or accurate as it isn't fully developed yet - it is regarded as unethical > exploitation of life > failed attempts are likely - cloning could be abused for wrong reasons - a sick person could get a clone to grow healthy organs to transplant > resource of organs, blood and bone marrow - lack of genetic uniqueness, may mess up the gene pool, loss of diversity - intervention into human evolution - identity crisis of the clone SUSTAINABILITY The Energy Problem: As of right now, our world is facing several energy problems. Not only is most of the energy we produce and use not sustainable, but the accessibility is very limited. Green and Sustainable Energy: Green energy is energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, water and wind. The key to such energy resources is its environmental-friendliness. contra pro greenhouse effect and gases, pollution can be reduced - slows climate change down - since resources such as coal are running out, we need to find new sources of energy - offers a clean, continual and stable source of energy - renewable energy systems have a low cost of operation - because renewable energies are new, it is cost-efficient to explore the chances of it - to be effective and efficient, it depends on weather conditions such as wind and sunlight to generate energy - is hard to make available for the masses (except for solar panels) - invasion of the habitats of animals - wind turbines pose as a danger for birds since they can get caught in the sails sources of energy such as solar panels - a lot of land is required to install solar are easy to install panels, wind turbines, etc. Biofuels: Biofuels are fuels derived immediately from living matter/from biomass. pro - they are environmentally friendly contra -they produce industrial pollution (e.g. water pollution through the agriculture) - they can be sourced from a wide range of materials - no long transportation distances - it is a relatively safe technology - creates more (local) jobs they are a high-investment that needs much land conversion to grow - - can affect food supply and the prices because when the crops such as corn is used for fuel, there will be less to eat - soil could be ruined through deprivation of nutrients