requirements | news | syllabus | assignments | papers | forum

Reading Questions - Graham

Having read both Quittner and Silver, respond to the following reading questions for Graham. Get Graham’s essay at the Reserve desk in the library. Or, if you prefer, you can get the essay online through CUNY’s online indexes and databases using Academic Search Premier (EbscoHOST).

1) Graham (2003) writes that “we are therefore presented with two contrasting representations of the effects of genetic, digital and cybernetic technologies on the way we live, work, communicate, even reproduce” (p. 30) What are these contrasting representations, as she sees them? Put each representation in your own words and find an appropriate passage from her essay for each representation.

2) Graham (2003) resists the apparent tendency of people to put technology in either/or terms. Instead, she claims that “these oppositions more appropriately span a continuum of reactions, concealing a variety of philosophies of technology and doctrines of human nature” (p. 31). She goes on to identify and discuss at least 5 different philosophies on the relationship between technology and humans. What does she call each philosophy? Write a 2-5 sentence description of each philosophy, and include one quote from Graham that you think captures the philosophy. Be sure to include your own view of the philosophy.

3) Pick at least two of the philosophies Graham discusses. Connect each of those philosophies to at least one passage in either Quittner or Silver, or both. In other words, try to locate examples of at least two philosophies in either Quittner or Silver, or both.

4) What do you think Graham (2003) means when she writes, “human beings have always ‘co-evolved’ with their tools and technologies” (p.41).

<MSWord Version Here>