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October 26, 2006
Presentation #6: Immigration
Is immigration a positive or negative policy for the US considering the pros and cons involved?
Writing immigration policy is an act of favoring one group over another. Which group wins? Which loses? How does a country maximize benefits and minimize harm?
Do you feel illegal immigrants are entitled to government services? When? Which services?
The road to citizenship can take decades - do you think speeding up the process will deter those who illegally jump the line?
Posted by seschmid at 09:16 PM | Comments (19)
October 21, 2006
Survival Lottery
Harris's "Survival Lottery" makes what seems like a pretty outrageous claim. But, is it really that outrageous? If our moral behavior is guided by respect for human life and a principle of utility, then it appears the Survival Lottery is plausible.
What do you think about the Survival Lottery? What about the proposal doesn't sit well, even if you agree with the principles justifying the lottery?
Posted by seschmid at 09:23 AM | Comments (4)
October 18, 2006
Presentation #5: Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is a fairly new controversial issue we are being faced with due to such great advances in technology. We are now able to choose what our children’s features will be. You can now choose eye color, sex, hair color, and so much more. They even have the technology to get rid of certain genes to prevent hereditary disease. If you have enough money, that is.
If you have a hereditary disease in your family would you use genetic engineering to remove that gene in your child so the risk of them suffering from the disease is no longer there?
Should a parent have the right to choose their child’s eye color, hair color, or sex?
Do the advantages of using genetic engineering out way the disadvantages? Or do you feel there are no disadvantages?
Posted by seschmid at 10:41 AM | Comments (19)
October 15, 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 10:57 AM | Comments (16)
Presentation #4: Drug Legalization
Would the legalization of drugs cut down on the number of drug dealers, drug
overdoes, and the population of prisons?
Posted by seschmid at 09:39 AM | Comments (22)
October 10, 2006
Presentation #3: Gay Marriage
There is much controversy surrounding gay marriage. It elicits strong emotion, whether for or against. In fact, the issue of gay marriage will appear on November's ballot. The amendment to the state constitution reads: "Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state."
Do you support the "cause" to have gay marriage legalized? to ban gay marriage?
Some believe that same-sex marriage is constitutional. Others feel same-sex marriage would destroy the institution of marriage. What do you think?
Everyone presently shares the right to marry someone of the opposite sex. So, is it "equal rights" that are being sought, or "exclusive rights"? If we redefine marriage, where would the line be drawn: multiple partners? two men and one woman? human and animal?
We'll let you know what we think on Monday!
Posted by seschmid at 09:11 PM | Comments (13)