Science and Technology - Monsters We Have Created

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - MONSTERS WE HAVE CREATED

The Nineteenth Century was a time of great change. The advances in science and technology made possible the Industrial Revolution, a revolution which fundamentally altered the way in which millions of people lived their lives.

However, not everyone was willing to accept the notion that such change was,by its nature, inevitably beneficial to humanity. Indeed, the wisdom of placing too much faith in science is called into question in some of the literature of the time, including Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In the novel, the title character warns, “Learn from me…how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge…” Shelley seems to be suggesting, amongst other things, that raising science (or technology) to the status of godhood carries with it inherent risks that demand careful consideration.

This essay requires that you research the role that some element of science or technology plays in our own time, and from that research and your own thinking about the topic, develop an essay which describesyour topic and evaluates whether that application of scienceor technology is advancing more rapidly than is our wisdom to use it properly. Do the benefits outweigh the potential for harm, or does it have the potential for becoming the equivalent of a modern day 'monster' that we have created?

Process
1. Explore, conduct preliminary research and evaluate different aspects of science and technology (see brainstorming list). From this, determine your focus and conduct further research.

2. Develop your position and create an essay outline which includes thesis statement, a topic sentence for each body paragraph, and points properly organized for each body paragraph.

3. Produce a rough draft that shows evidence of editing. If you are using a computer, you must print out your rough draft and edit that draft. If there is no sign of significant editing, it will not be considered a draft.

Product
A formal essay (describing and evaluating one or more issues/advances/processes in science, technology, medicine, agriculture, etc.) 4-6 pages, double-spaced, with proper MLA in-text citations and a references page. This represents a minimum, but thorough coverage of topic within paper purpose is the predominant concern. You should be advancing a perspective on your issue in your paper.

PLEASE NOTE: Essays submitted without the process work described above will not be accepted.

Due date:______