[Newscaster]:
Today in 140 Bennett Hall students and staff alike met to discuss Technologically Enhanced Humanity
The lecture was led by Charles T. Rubin who talked about both sides of the issue stating: "We do what we do and the way we do it because of the advances in modern science."
There was much debate over the issue among the students
VO inside room
[student]: "How could there be equality when some people might have a considerable genetic advantage."During the lecture the ideology of transhumanist were discussed and analyzed, allowing us to see the difference between gradual advances in society and human genetics.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Technologically Enhanced Humanity
Orono- On Friday, March 26th in 140 Bennett Hall, students and staff alike met to discuss Technologically Enhanced Humanity. Thoughts were provoked, issues touched upon, and yet solid answers about hypothetical problems were hard to come by.
The lecture was led by Charles T. Rubin (PHD, Political Science) who talked about both sides of the issue stating: "We do what we do and the way we do it because of the advances in modern science." Many points were raised during the lecture, one of them being how for centuries there has been a "bargain" between Science and Technology on one hand and Politics and Society on the other. The bargain being investigations in natural science is left free to the few who desire to pursue it.
One issue that would would be of serious magnitude if the transhuman ideals are met is where would the line between Gene Therapy and Gene Enhancement. If we are able to repair damaged genes that would eliminate diseases, what would the difference between doing this and modifying genes to become superior. Where would we determine the difference? Mr. Rubin then said: "At a basic level the power to heal a sick human being overlaps with the power to enhance"
During the lecture the ideology of transhumanist was discussed and analyzed, allowing us to see the difference between gradual advances in society and human genetics, and the extreme advancements that transhumanist aim for.
A variety of issues come to mind when thinking about e genetically enhanced human race, one of them being: "How could there be equality when some people might have a considerable genetic advantage." If the capacities of the Human body are pushed, how far can we push them?
One thought of the transhumans is that we humans are "Meat Machines," and if we are already machines, why not enhance and modify this machine to become faster, stronger, more productive and push the boundaries of nature we once thought were unbreakable. As for the fallout of such technology? The answer given by many transhumanist: "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
The lecture was led by Charles T. Rubin (PHD, Political Science) who talked about both sides of the issue stating: "We do what we do and the way we do it because of the advances in modern science." Many points were raised during the lecture, one of them being how for centuries there has been a "bargain" between Science and Technology on one hand and Politics and Society on the other. The bargain being investigations in natural science is left free to the few who desire to pursue it.
One issue that would would be of serious magnitude if the transhuman ideals are met is where would the line between Gene Therapy and Gene Enhancement. If we are able to repair damaged genes that would eliminate diseases, what would the difference between doing this and modifying genes to become superior. Where would we determine the difference? Mr. Rubin then said: "At a basic level the power to heal a sick human being overlaps with the power to enhance"
During the lecture the ideology of transhumanist was discussed and analyzed, allowing us to see the difference between gradual advances in society and human genetics, and the extreme advancements that transhumanist aim for.
A variety of issues come to mind when thinking about e genetically enhanced human race, one of them being: "How could there be equality when some people might have a considerable genetic advantage." If the capacities of the Human body are pushed, how far can we push them?
One thought of the transhumans is that we humans are "Meat Machines," and if we are already machines, why not enhance and modify this machine to become faster, stronger, more productive and push the boundaries of nature we once thought were unbreakable. As for the fallout of such technology? The answer given by many transhumanist: "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Town Issue: Looking Back
As time draws nearer to the departure of Falmouth High School's Principle, Allyn Hutton, many in the community reflect on her esteemed contributions to the Falmouth School system. I had the chance to speak to former students of Falmouth High School who had Hutton for a principle, as well as an involved parent in the community. Joe Horgan, former student and Student Body President, had this to say about the former principle:
"She was always incredibly helpful and friendly working with student government, and always supportive of our agenda as student body."
What were some ways Mrs. Hutton would assist the student government?
"Well one thing that I respect about her is that she didn't mind doing small menial jobs when asked too. She would almost always be willing to chaperone events. Not to mention she always was supportive of us coming up with fundraising ideas and activities "
Allyn makes a great edition to any department of education and will do so again when she takes over as the Kittery Superintendent. Her vast knowledge for the educational system combined with her passion makes her the individual she is.
In a instance in 2007 a student was beaten after having hot coffee poured down his back and while many questioned the student about it in an interrogative manner, Principle Hutton was the only one asking the student how he was doing, and the only one with a sincere . This may not be as gratifying to the public as finding a budget cut but it shows that she puts her heart into her job.
Former student and football Captain, Kristopher Floridino became close with Hutton as she was an avid supporter of the football team and had this to say about her: "she was always looking for new and creative ideas to better the establishment"
They are not alone in their support for Hutton as Barbara Powers, the new Falmouth high School Principle praised her stating: "She enriched the students learning experience through one on one contact and by keeping the school one of the best in the state"
"She was always incredibly helpful and friendly working with student government, and always supportive of our agenda as student body."
What were some ways Mrs. Hutton would assist the student government?
"Well one thing that I respect about her is that she didn't mind doing small menial jobs when asked too. She would almost always be willing to chaperone events. Not to mention she always was supportive of us coming up with fundraising ideas and activities "
Allyn makes a great edition to any department of education and will do so again when she takes over as the Kittery Superintendent. Her vast knowledge for the educational system combined with her passion makes her the individual she is.
In a instance in 2007 a student was beaten after having hot coffee poured down his back and while many questioned the student about it in an interrogative manner, Principle Hutton was the only one asking the student how he was doing, and the only one with a sincere . This may not be as gratifying to the public as finding a budget cut but it shows that she puts her heart into her job.
Former student and football Captain, Kristopher Floridino became close with Hutton as she was an avid supporter of the football team and had this to say about her: "she was always looking for new and creative ideas to better the establishment"
They are not alone in their support for Hutton as Barbara Powers, the new Falmouth high School Principle praised her stating: "She enriched the students learning experience through one on one contact and by keeping the school one of the best in the state"
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
