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March 22, 2006
Presentation #6: Cloning
Cloning is the duplicating of biological material. There are three different kinds of cloning: DNA (gene cloning), Reproductive, and Therapeutic (stem cell) cloning. These cloning methods are used to research the human body as well as mammals.
Is it ethical to use cloning to research the human body as well as animals?
Should we clone to just reproduce?
Do you think humans should be cloned even if the life span is very short?
What if research could help treat and prevent diseases such as Alzheimers, heart disease and certain cancers, then would it be okay?
Posted by seschmid at 12:39 PM | Comments (23)
March 16, 2006
Presentation #5: Torture
A United Nations investigation has concluded that the United States committed acts amounting to torture at Guantanamo Bay, including force-feeding detainees and subjecting them to prolonged solitary confinement, according to a draft report obtained Monday.
U.S. officials rejected the report, saying it was riddled with errors and treated statements from detainees’ lawyers as fact.
The report from five U.N. human rights experts also recommended the United States close Guantanamo Bay and revoke all special interrogation techniques authorized by the Department of Defense.
Should torture be used on criminals? On suspected criminals?
Would torture be permissible if were guaranteed to save one person? One hundred? Ten thousand? One million?
If a person was being questioned as a suspected terrorist would you rather have an interrogator who believed in the use of torture, or one who did not? Would your answer change it if that person was yourself or a loved one?
After all the questions of morality, is torture effective?
Posted by seschmid at 07:00 AM | Comments (24)
March 11, 2006
The Happiness Machine
Imagine there is a machine that you could plug into and that would satisfy any desire you might have. Inside this machine, you are given any experience you desire. The scientists in control of this machine stimulate your brain into thinking you are the greatest athlete, the richest person on earth, the most famous celebrity, a wonderful novelist, or you are simply enjoying physical and psychological pleasures. Moreover, the scientists vary the pleasures so you don't get bored.
Even though you are inside the machine, it's as if you were living in the real world. On top of that, you are free to leave the machine at any time, although no one ever has.
Would you plug yourself into this Happiness Machine? Why or why not?
Posted by seschmid at 10:52 PM | Comments (18)
March 07, 2006
Presentation #4: Intelligent Design in the Science Classroom
Intelligent design (ID) is, "the concept that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection." (wikipedia)
Proponents of ID claim that it is a scientific theory equal to or greater than current scientific theories regarding the origin of life, namely evolutionary theory.
Do you think ID qualifies as science? What qualifies as science and what doesn't?
Should this be taught in science classes: along with evolution, in place of evolution, or not at all?
Posted by seschmid at 02:00 PM | Comments (23)