Essay
Question Information –
Reviewing
the study questions below will prepare you for the ESSAY portions of the
final exam.
When
answering each essay question, you should draw on and reference the assigned
readings and seminar information relevant to the topic. I will be looking for
specific content in your answers, not counting the number of words you
write!
Information
related to each topic included on the final exam, Globalization and Economic
Development, Computers
and Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Genetic
Engineering, and Population, Environment and
Climate Change can be reviewed by clicking on each of these
topics.
Ethical theories and principles
should
be considered and mentioned where appropriate in answering all
questions.
Specific
questions related to the ethical principles and concepts utilized in your
"ethics case analysis" may also be included on the examination..
The
3 essay questions will be based on the study questions below.
20%
of the final exam score will be based on the two "short" essays and 40% on the
one "critical" essay.
The
other 40% of the final exam will be made up of multiple choice and short
answer items as was done for the mid-term exam.
The
actual wording of the final exam essay questions will be different than what
appears below although the focus will be the same.
The
letters SE following a question indicates that it is a "short essay" item
while the letters CE mean the item is a "critical essay" one.
The
primary difference between these two types of questions is the breadth and depth
of the answer required.
A CE
item
might be converted into a SE
one
by selecting a portion of the CE
item
listed below to include on the final exam.
Unit
Four - Computers, Surveillance Technologies, and Artificial
Intelligence
1.
Discuss
the MAJOR way a robot with "AI" would be different than a typical
robot produced today. SE
2.
Although
much personal information has been in the public domain for many years, why do
many fear that computers pose the most serious threat to our privacy and
security today? SE
3.
What
is seen by many as being the next MAJOR leap in the evolution of
computers and what issues, including ethical ones, might arise if this
breakthrough occurs? CE
4.
What
are TWO KEY benefits robots offer today and TWO KEY reasons they
might also pose a threat to society? SE
5.
Discuss
how a typical robot in use today "knows" how to behave and what to do and the
major way "Watson" differs. SE
6.
Against
what types of robots are Asimov's "Laws of Robotics" designed to protect us and
why do you either feel they are adequate or not to do that?
SE
Unit
Five - Globalization and Economic Development
1.
What
TWO MAJOR conditions exist in many LDCs which give those countries
what some call an "unfair advantage" over workers in MDCs when competing for
jobs? SE
2.
Briefly
describe the concept of "out-sourcing" and discuss ONE MAJOR
positive and ONE MAJOR negative impact of it. SE
3.
Discuss
TWO PRIMARY reasons why Henry Ford might have decided to pay his workers
$5 a day when other automobile companies were paying considerably less than that
amount. SE
4.
What
MAJOR CATEGORY of U.S. jobs were initially
"outsourced" and how has that changed today? What is one KEY way used by
LDCs to lure companies to relocate? CE
5.
Name
TWO major characteristics of globalization and explain ONE MAJOR
WAY why globalization is beneficial and ONE MAJOR WAY globalization
is harmful to you. CE
6.
Discuss
the TWO MAJOR reasons seen as accounting for the loss of jobs in the U.S.
today, aside from reduced consumer demand. CE
Unit
Six - Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
1.
What
is the MAJOR ethical issue related to the debate over embryonic stem cell
research often used to oppose this technology? Discuss the MAJOR ethical
argument put forward by those who support this type of research?
CE
2.
Describe
the TWO PRIMARY ways in which organisms change in nature and TWO MAJOR
reasons genetic engineering has become very popular today. CE
3.
What
is ONE possible benefit and ONE negative
aspect of the "eugenics"? Discuss the ONE ethical principle which would
justify such programs and the other ethical principle which finds them morally
unacceptable. How does this issue relate to the PGD process. CE
4.
Explain
the MAJOR limitation of using the "One shouldn't play God"
statement to justify why a particular technology should or should not be
permitted. SE
5.
What
aspect of the ART process in vitro fertilization is related to
stem cell research, what is the PRIMARY related ethical issue and how is
it addressed in some countries? SE
6.
Discuss
a PRIMARY ISSUE related to technologies associated with
"end-of-life-care" and a key ethical concern raised. SE
Unit
Seven - Population, Energy, and the Climate Change
1.
Briefly
explain the central theme of the "Tragedy of the Commons" and the
PRIMARY CHANGE in a number of LDCs in relation to the IPAT equation,
which many believe poses the greatest threat to the environment. CE
2.
Discuss
ONE way which has been effectively used by governments to encourage
greater use of alternate energy and the PRIMARY reason doing this is often
required. SE
3.
Discuss
the TWO PRIMARY influences on the FR in
different types of countries and why that is changing in many places today. SE
4.
What
are TWO primary facts that many feel require a shift from traditional
fuels to alternate sources of energy in today’s world? CE
5.
Increased
energy consumption in the world is a major concern. Discuss one major way being
considered to deal with problems related to the distribution of electricity.
CE
6. Discuss TWO key factors which must be considered when calculating the "true" cost of any fuel. SE