Ethics and Technology Assignment Page

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As we begin our odyssey in cyberspace, I want us to explore together the concept of 'CyberCulture,' and to read about how virtual communities, cyberspace partnerships, and new cultures emerge through the Net. Here is an excellent resource page for Virtual Communities---take a look at Howard Rheingold's important essays. Rheingold also maintains a first-rate website on the subject here. In virtual communities we encounter a very controversial topic, much in the news recently: the issue of HATE on the Internet, and the question of whether efforts to censor websites that focus on hate-filled information are justified. Should one tolerate the hate, and learn from it? Should efforts be made to protect the youth from such vile material? The social debate rages on, as we attempt to wrestle with this thorny matter. Here's an example of a site that includes much of what is considered objectionable on the web, although the intent of the website seems to be to stop the momentum of hate-filled resources: Bizarre Web Pages

We next turn the topic of cyberjuries, and whether the use of computers in jury deliberations would hinder, or aid, the justice process. Address this issue in your online dialogue.

President Clinton is surrounded by a firestorm of sexual controversy, due in part to a story on the Internet published by Matt Drudge's Drudge Report. Our next dialogue will be to discuss this matter, and to reflect on the Report and the issue of ethical reporting, free speech, and the public's right to be informed.

Our next discussion will be centered around the topic of the English language and the global Internet.  Should more effort be given to representing more language diversity in the global communities of the web, or should we accept that English will become the 'mother-tongue' of the Internet? What do you think? Is diversity healthy in this context, or confusing? Let's talk about this interesting dispute in the electronic village. Any website you find will be helpful if shared through ETHTECH; you might this article on The Internet and the English Language helpful. Check it out.

Let us now discuss and debate the question of machine intelligence. Are we machines--biological in nature--sophisticated computing machines? Or do we possess features that no machine, in principle, could ever come to have? What of self, of emotion, or feelings of pain or pleasure? A good website for information on artifical intelligence and the mind is Valerie Hardcastle's great Brain/Mind Resource site at Virginia Tech. Check it out..

The year 2000 poses a huge problem for computers, and for society and economics, according to many. I want us to discuss the Year 200 problem---'y2k' as it is known. Here's a site devoted to y2k information.

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