We've
talked about this since the beginning of the year. Any helpful tool to
living life in the physical world comes with a trade-off. Some of the
trade-offs are obvious, but many slip by unnoticed. These trade-offs
might be well worth it, but we should train ourselves to look for them
so we can at least make informed decisions about what we're choosing to
give up in favor of easier living.
First, read this article by Clive Thompson (contributing writer for Wired magazine)... http://www.wired.com/2013/03/clive-thompson-2104/
Now, 1. Pick one scientific/technological advancement (high tech or low tech, it doesn't matter) that improves/eases your life, and 2. describe how it benefits you. Now comes the tricky part...3. think about what you give up (i.e., the trade-off) as a result of adopting this useful tool. Be
specific and clear in this last part. The trade-off can be physical,
mental, emotional, character-/virtue-based, interpersonal. Avoid trite
notions, such as "texting while driving causes accidents." Think broader
AND deeper (these aren't oxymoronic terms!).
Here
are a list of commonplace technologies as examples...internet, smart
phones/computers, wireless/cellular connectivity, electricity,
batteries, jet travel....
This
will be a significant chunk of your fourth quarter assignment grade
(being that we don't have very many assignments). Here's the deal,
you're welcome to choose one of the above topics to discuss, but, if you
do, you can't earn more than 90% on the assignment. To have the
possibility for full credit, you have to identify a different
technological advancement on which to ruminate. Your response should be a
solid paragraph. DUE TOMORROW!
Two more (short) Clive Thompson articles worth reading...
The Power of Introversion... http://www.wired.com/2012/03/st_thompson_introvert/
Don't Blame Social Media if Your Teen is Unsocial... http://www.wired.com/2013/12/ap_thompson-2/
Extra
credit: For those interested in going a little deeper, here's a
follow-up assignment DUE BY FRIDAY (end of the day). Having already identified a
beneficial technology and explained the trade-off, now write an
additional two paragraphs about 1. whether or not you feel this
trade-off is worth it (wholly or partially); and 2. how you can add back
into your life (at least, in part) what you've given up in this
trade-off. Again, this should be two solid paragraphs (at least one page double spaced).
