Social Issues Flashcards
What is Artificial Intelligence?
AI is a branch of computer science that makes computers perform tasks (we used to think of) as requiring human intelligence
Examples of AI?
Weather Forecasting
Direction finding
Spam filtering
What is robotics?
A branch of engineering that makes mechanical devices perform physical tasks that we used to think of as human-like activities.
Examples of robotics?
Vacuum Cleaners
Home assistants
Driverless Cars
What are luddites and what did they do?
Artisan textile workers who had spent years learning their craft, and they feared that machines would take their jobs so they broke into factories and smashed up machines.
What are neo-Luddites?
People who oppose the advancement of computing and robotics, because it enables the forces of our civilization to operate more swiftly and efficiently in their pernicious goals of making money and destroying nature.
What 6 things do neo-Luddites think computers would lead to?
1) unemployment
2) manufactured needs
3) social inequity
4) social disintegration
5) benefits to big business/government
6) ominous uniformity of knowledge
How is unemployment caused by computing?
It takes the dignity of work from people as more common jobs can be automated.
Humans ask themselves ‘why are we here?’
‘’'’Humans question their existence’’’’
How is manufactured needs caused by computing?
Influencers on social media (i.e. Instagram) generate demand for things because they are there, not because they satisfy real needs.
How is social inequity caused by computing?
A small rich minority enjoys the benefits of technology whilst a large poor minority are left behind.
i.e. blind people, disabled people, cannot use technology like others.
How is social disintegration caused by computing?
Literacy destroys orality - Kirkpatrick Sale
People don’t talk to each other anymore, any questions one may have can be answered using technology i.e. search engines. There is no need for interaction.
How is benefits to big businesses/government caused by computing?
The ‘always on’ culture increases productivity (notwithstanding the productivity paradox). Time at home and time at work is not distinguished; technology means businesses expect workers to be working all the time.
Paradox: although people seems to work longer, productivity does not increase.
How is an ominous uniformity of knowledge caused by computing?
They thwart the social skills, intellectual skills, human values and create ‘echo chambers’.
Only information in line with what you already think is shown to you, creating these echo chambers where it seems everyone confirms your prejudices.
