1.) (Work in Progress)
I've decided my topic will be focusing on the responsibility of using tools like the internet with one specific example in mind: Religion. The internet is an international highway for information, something that is relatively new to humanity. For the first time in our history, I can easily open a website and start chatting with someone across the world. This gives me the opportunity to learn what life is like for them, share what my life here is like, or even share information. It's also a way for one to speak more of religion, be it to share ideas, learn more about different paths, or find a new path to explore yourself. This, of course, comes with several upsides and downsides, which I will discuss further.
The internet is a wonderful tool for research, and this is especially true when it comes to religion. With so many spiritual paths and world religions out there, it can be hard to otherwise study so many in a short amount of time. Thanks to websites such as Wikipedia, blogs and even more 'traditional' paper and pictures websites, it's easier than ever to learn about other views of the world.
These blogs also give us a very rare opportunity when it comes to religious study: a clear, intrinsic view. When studying religion, you have to look at two different aspects: the extrinsic view, or the viewpoint of an outsider looking in, and the intrinsic view, or the viewpoint of a practitioner of the faith. It's often hard to look at things from both viewpoints, but with just a couple different websites, we can clearly get both views on nearly any religion or belief system. While some of these blogs may not be very scholarly or well kept, there are so many of them out there that it's easy to find several different cases to look at.
There are many, many groups that have gained a larger foothold into the world thanks to the ease of communicating online. Thanks to internet forums, and websites like facebook, myspace, or their thousands of clones, it's easier then ever to find other like-minded individuals who believe the same things as you or I. Religions like Scientology wouldn't have grown so large without tools such as Television or internet websites to reach out to potential new followers. The same can be said about several smaller movements, such as the recent surge of Neo-pagan paths that are becoming more and more popular.
This also helps groups be discrete and avoid the public eye, where they may be looked down upon in unwarranted ways. For example, I've linked to a story before where a woman almost lost custody of her children after a divorce because of her faith. While the law says religion can't be used against her in court, it was believed her religion was 'dangerous to her children's welfare', so it was used against her. She was pagan, and in reality, there was no danger to her children, but the public perception was that there was. This is why such discrepancy can be to an advantage with small, still growing groups.
The internet also gives us the ability to quickly smash these misconceptions by making information so easy to obtain. With a quick Google search, one can learn the very basics of any system of thought, including their ethics, morals and ideas about theology. One can easily learn about all branches of a religion, and find the differences between them. Before the net, one would have to search for books or other sources for research, which could take days, weeks, or even years. Now, it only takes pulling up a Wikipedia page in order to learn more about whatever topic you're curious about.
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Sometimes very hateful messages can be spread just as quickly as the positive ones. I have seen more hate-filled Christian websites then I have seen sites that express the true nature of the religion. The same can be said for virtually any religious group.
Misinformation is also a large problem. When researching the topic, it's hard to figure out what information is good and reliable versus that information which is entirely false or harmful. This was originally seen as widely spread pamphlets and booklets in days before the internet, but now anyone can create a website and publish whatever they want. It's cheaper to get your website on Google then it is to publish lots of small papers and hand them out to people who won't read them.
2.) Should software be used for personal business gains, or are there more beneficial means for it? Namely, medical software such as databases, communication tools, etc. Should these tools be sold by private businesses to make money, or given to those who need it?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
HW4
1.) Can't beieve I forgot last time... but hey, guess I'll just do it in this report, eh?
I've decided my topic will be focusing on the responsibility of using tools like the internet with one specific example in mind: Religion. The internet is an international highway for information, something that is relatively new to humanity. For the first time in our history, I can easily open a website and start chatting with someone across the world. This gives me the opportunity to learn what life is like for them, share what my life here is like, or even share information. It's also a way for one to speak more of religion, be it to share ideas, learn more about different paths, or find a new path to explore yourself. This, of course, comes with several upsides and downsides, which I will discuss further.
The internet is a wonderful tool for research, and this is especially true when it comes to religion. With so many spiritual paths and world religions out there, it can be hard to otherwise study so many in a short amount of time. Thanks to websites such as Wikipedia, blogs and even more 'traditional' paper and pictures websites, it's easier than ever to learn about other views of the world.
These blogs also give us a very rare opportunity when it comes to religious study: a clear, intrinsic view. When studying religion, you have to look at two different aspects: the extrinsic view, or the viewpoint of an outsider looking in, and the intrinsic view, or the viewpoint of a practitioner of the faith. It's often hard to look at things from both viewpoints, but with just a couple different websites, we can clearly get both views on nearly any religion or belief system. While some of these blogs may not be very scholarly or well kept, there are so many of them out there that it's easy to find several different cases to look at.
There are many, many groups that have gained a larger foothold into the world thanks to the ease of communicating online. Thanks to internet forums, and websites like facebook, myspace, or their thousands of clones, it's easier then ever to find other like-minded individuals who believe the same things as you or I. Religions like Scientology wouldn't have grown so large without tools such as Television or internet websites to reach out to potential new followers. The same can be said about several smaller movements, such as the recent surge of Neo-pagan paths that are becoming more and more popular.
This also helps groups be discrete and avoid the public eye, where they may be looked down upon in unwarranted ways. For example, I've linked to a story before where a woman almost lost custody of her children after a divorce because of her faith. While the law says religion can't be used against her in court, it was believed her religion was 'dangerous to her children's welfare', so it was used against her. She was pagan, and in reality, there was no danger to her children, but the public perception was that there was. This is why such discrepancy can be to an advantage with small, still growing groups.
The internet also gives us the ability to quickly smash these misconceptions by making information so easy to obtain. With a quick Google search, one can learn the very basics of any system of thought, including their ethics, morals and ideas about theology. One can easily learn about all branches of a religion, and find the differences between them. Before the net, one would have to search for books or other sources for research, which could take days, weeks, or even years. Now, it only takes pulling up a Wikipedia page in order to learn more about whatever topic you're curious about.
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Sometimes very hateful messages can be spread just as quickly as the positive ones. I have seen more hate-filled Christian websites then I have seen sites that express the true nature of the religion. The same can be said for virtually any religious group.
Misinformation is also a large problem. When researching the topic, it's hard to figure out what information is good and reliable versus that information which is entirely false or harmful. This was originally seen as widely spread pamphlets and booklets in days before the internet, but now anyone can create a website and publish whatever they want. It's cheaper to get your website on Google then it is to publish lots of small papers and hand them out to people who won't read them.
2.) According to Wikipedia, "Eugenics is currently defined as the 'applied science or the bio-social movement which advocates the use of practices aimed at improving the genetic composition of a population', usually referring to human populations. Historically, many of the practitioners of eugenics viewed eugenics as a science, not necessarily restricted to human populations; this embraced the views of Darwin and Social Darwinism."
This ties in well with my final project for the semester, so I want to talk about the 'science' as a whole, including it's positive and negative aspects. There have been a few legitamite suggestions of how to go about 'improving' the genetic compositions, but there have also been some terrible deeds done in the name of science because of it.
I plan to talk about at least two or three different scientists and their views, which I will list once I have done more research.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics)
I've decided my topic will be focusing on the responsibility of using tools like the internet with one specific example in mind: Religion. The internet is an international highway for information, something that is relatively new to humanity. For the first time in our history, I can easily open a website and start chatting with someone across the world. This gives me the opportunity to learn what life is like for them, share what my life here is like, or even share information. It's also a way for one to speak more of religion, be it to share ideas, learn more about different paths, or find a new path to explore yourself. This, of course, comes with several upsides and downsides, which I will discuss further.
The internet is a wonderful tool for research, and this is especially true when it comes to religion. With so many spiritual paths and world religions out there, it can be hard to otherwise study so many in a short amount of time. Thanks to websites such as Wikipedia, blogs and even more 'traditional' paper and pictures websites, it's easier than ever to learn about other views of the world.
These blogs also give us a very rare opportunity when it comes to religious study: a clear, intrinsic view. When studying religion, you have to look at two different aspects: the extrinsic view, or the viewpoint of an outsider looking in, and the intrinsic view, or the viewpoint of a practitioner of the faith. It's often hard to look at things from both viewpoints, but with just a couple different websites, we can clearly get both views on nearly any religion or belief system. While some of these blogs may not be very scholarly or well kept, there are so many of them out there that it's easy to find several different cases to look at.
There are many, many groups that have gained a larger foothold into the world thanks to the ease of communicating online. Thanks to internet forums, and websites like facebook, myspace, or their thousands of clones, it's easier then ever to find other like-minded individuals who believe the same things as you or I. Religions like Scientology wouldn't have grown so large without tools such as Television or internet websites to reach out to potential new followers. The same can be said about several smaller movements, such as the recent surge of Neo-pagan paths that are becoming more and more popular.
This also helps groups be discrete and avoid the public eye, where they may be looked down upon in unwarranted ways. For example, I've linked to a story before where a woman almost lost custody of her children after a divorce because of her faith. While the law says religion can't be used against her in court, it was believed her religion was 'dangerous to her children's welfare', so it was used against her. She was pagan, and in reality, there was no danger to her children, but the public perception was that there was. This is why such discrepancy can be to an advantage with small, still growing groups.
The internet also gives us the ability to quickly smash these misconceptions by making information so easy to obtain. With a quick Google search, one can learn the very basics of any system of thought, including their ethics, morals and ideas about theology. One can easily learn about all branches of a religion, and find the differences between them. Before the net, one would have to search for books or other sources for research, which could take days, weeks, or even years. Now, it only takes pulling up a Wikipedia page in order to learn more about whatever topic you're curious about.
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Sometimes very hateful messages can be spread just as quickly as the positive ones. I have seen more hate-filled Christian websites then I have seen sites that express the true nature of the religion. The same can be said for virtually any religious group.
Misinformation is also a large problem. When researching the topic, it's hard to figure out what information is good and reliable versus that information which is entirely false or harmful. This was originally seen as widely spread pamphlets and booklets in days before the internet, but now anyone can create a website and publish whatever they want. It's cheaper to get your website on Google then it is to publish lots of small papers and hand them out to people who won't read them.
- Introduction:
- The Internet, an international highway for information.
- Publication has never been easier, as is finding other like-minded people.
- Religious
- Not socially accepted
- Dating, relationships
- The list goes on . . .
- This can be beneficial or dangerous.
- Spreading 'the word': Religion
- Tons of resources and religions to research.
- Very intrensic view into the religion via blogs, 'church' websites, etc.'
- Smaller religions able to grow together into larger communities:
- Neo-pagan movements
- Scientology
- Cult of Cthulu
- The Benefits:
- Some of these religious groups are not accepted by general society in one way or another.
- With the Internet, it's easier then ever to learn the ins and outs of different religions and what they're all about.
- Online communities for solo-practicioners looking for their own growth within a community.
- The Dangers:
- Hate. Some religious groups are more hateful then others, be it a religion's ideal or extremists working together.
- False information, spread via propaganda or by groups misrepresenting their own religion.
- Just as many websites against the religion can surface as websites for them.
- Conclusion
2.) According to Wikipedia, "Eugenics is currently defined as the 'applied science or the bio-social movement which advocates the use of practices aimed at improving the genetic composition of a population', usually referring to human populations. Historically, many of the practitioners of eugenics viewed eugenics as a science, not necessarily restricted to human populations; this embraced the views of Darwin and Social Darwinism."
This ties in well with my final project for the semester, so I want to talk about the 'science' as a whole, including it's positive and negative aspects. There have been a few legitamite suggestions of how to go about 'improving' the genetic compositions, but there have also been some terrible deeds done in the name of science because of it.
I plan to talk about at least two or three different scientists and their views, which I will list once I have done more research.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
HW3
1.) Work in progress!
2.) The topic I chose to talk about this week is kindof in the middle from last week's topic an today's. It's about code plagiarism.
The case I chose to represent this was the (almost) recall of Word 2007 a few years back when it was discovered the dev team used stolen code to encode documents in XML, as well as read and create XML documents. This is of course a copyright issue with the code, but it also has a place in workplace ethics. The programmers "created" code, and put it into the final product, when the code wasn't actually theirs. This is, in my opinion, a good example of bad workplace ethics.
Links:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/6874126/Microsoft-ordered-to-stop-selling-Word-2007-in-US.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/12/22/judge-orders-microsoft-to-stop-selling-office-by-january-11th/
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-08-12-microsoft-lawsuit_N.htm
2.) The topic I chose to talk about this week is kindof in the middle from last week's topic an today's. It's about code plagiarism.
The case I chose to represent this was the (almost) recall of Word 2007 a few years back when it was discovered the dev team used stolen code to encode documents in XML, as well as read and create XML documents. This is of course a copyright issue with the code, but it also has a place in workplace ethics. The programmers "created" code, and put it into the final product, when the code wasn't actually theirs. This is, in my opinion, a good example of bad workplace ethics.
Links:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/6874126/Microsoft-ordered-to-stop-selling-Word-2007-in-US.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/12/22/judge-orders-microsoft-to-stop-selling-office-by-january-11th/
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-08-12-microsoft-lawsuit_N.htm
Monday, September 12, 2011
HW2
1.) Email on the way!
2.) I've been exposed to a large debate recently where science was put at odds with religion. It was spured by a comic which discussed the author's opinion that religion is uneccisary, and that it can only cause bad things to happen (The Comic - From Reddit). I think I'd like to discuss the dangers of merging of politics, religion and science, and what happens when they collide in unfavorable ways. I have a few different cases I'd like to present, including the few I posted in homework 1.
To be more specific, I think I'll focus on freedom of religion in poltics. It's no secret that if you're running for office in the US, religion can be a major part of your platform. In a nation where religious freedom is the first article in our Bill of Rights, there are far too many politicians trying to limit those rights (The Wild Hunt - The Christian Propaganda that Inspires Michele Bachman).
3.) I decided to talk about what I feel is a big issue today with IP rights involving game development. In most cases, when an independent (indie for short) developer makes a game, he has a few options for publishing his game:
1.) He can use services like the Xbox LIVE Arcade or steam, which can result in little exposure, and his items can occasionally go on sale for very little without much choice, or
2.) He publishes through a larger publisher (EA Games, etc), and looses his rights to his IP.
I've found a few articles about this:
Extra Credits: :Let's Talk About Publishing
Game Theory Online - Why Video Game Developers, Publishers Must Own Their IP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*This will be updated periodically until 9/23/2011. After that, no edits will be made.
2.) I've been exposed to a large debate recently where science was put at odds with religion. It was spured by a comic which discussed the author's opinion that religion is uneccisary, and that it can only cause bad things to happen (The Comic - From Reddit). I think I'd like to discuss the dangers of merging of politics, religion and science, and what happens when they collide in unfavorable ways. I have a few different cases I'd like to present, including the few I posted in homework 1.
To be more specific, I think I'll focus on freedom of religion in poltics. It's no secret that if you're running for office in the US, religion can be a major part of your platform. In a nation where religious freedom is the first article in our Bill of Rights, there are far too many politicians trying to limit those rights (The Wild Hunt - The Christian Propaganda that Inspires Michele Bachman).
3.) I decided to talk about what I feel is a big issue today with IP rights involving game development. In most cases, when an independent (indie for short) developer makes a game, he has a few options for publishing his game:
1.) He can use services like the Xbox LIVE Arcade or steam, which can result in little exposure, and his items can occasionally go on sale for very little without much choice, or
2.) He publishes through a larger publisher (EA Games, etc), and looses his rights to his IP.
I've found a few articles about this:
Extra Credits: :Let's Talk About Publishing
Game Theory Online - Why Video Game Developers, Publishers Must Own Their IP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*This will be updated periodically until 9/23/2011. After that, no edits will be made.
Monday, August 29, 2011
HW1
Well, here we are! Another blog, meant this time for my IFSC 2200 class, Ethics in the Profession. The posts here will relate to that class, so if you were expecting otherwise... nope.
My first presentation is today, and tbh, I'm excited about the topic I chose for the Morality, Ethics and Law section. I'm going to talk about bills being passed to make drug testing mandatory for anyone wanting to receive wellfare or unemployment. I hope we'll have a few different viewpoints so we can get some more ideas thrown in there.
Now for the actual homework part:
1.) Topic for my project
I sometimes fear for our country. Not for it's well being in foreign affairs, or for it's domestic economy, but for the core ideals of our nation. The main issue I see come under fire is freedom of religion, and while I don't think my rights have been taken, I feel like some groups are really pushing the limits.
I've seen court cases where one's religion can be used against them, especially in child custody cases [The Wild Hunt]. I've seen hate groups rally to make their religion the only tolerated religion [40 Days Over DC]. I'm sure we've all seen the Westburrow Baptist Church rally against homosexuality, other religions, and the freedom to explore these that our country gives us (ironically using the same freedoms to protest).
I'll probably write this in report form, but the idea of a short story is quite appealing as well. I have time, so I'll probably bounce a few ideas around in my head.
2.) Presentation 1 Notes
Two articles I'm using as sources in class:
USA Today - States seek to link public assistance, drug testing [1]
ACLU - Drug Testing of Public Assistance Recipients as a Condition of Eligibility [2]
The main issue here is that 27 states are all planning to introduce a bill to make it mandatory to be drug tested before receiving public assistance. In some states, this is limited to unemployment, while in others, wellfare is also included.
Some states, like Texas, plan to deny those who fail the test's benefits. [1] Other states, like Massachusetts, plan on making those who fail attend rehab. [1]
Some groups believe this is a violation of our 4th Amendment rights against unreasonable search an seizures. [2] The same article also states that wellfare recipients are just as likely as non recipients to use drugs, as shown in studies. [2]
Personally, I think that's irrelevant. The point of this bill isn't to reveal how many citizens are using drugs, but rather to make sure funds are given to those who need it. I don't think any law maker wants tax-payer dollars being used to buy drugs, and that's what happens about 10% of the time now [2]. This search is also not unreasonable. One is not required to receive wellfare or unemployment, so it's not as if we're forcing citizens to submit to random screenings. I think this is a very fair and valid bill.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Edits may be made to update notes. On 9/9/11, the post will be finalized, and no edits made.*
My first presentation is today, and tbh, I'm excited about the topic I chose for the Morality, Ethics and Law section. I'm going to talk about bills being passed to make drug testing mandatory for anyone wanting to receive wellfare or unemployment. I hope we'll have a few different viewpoints so we can get some more ideas thrown in there.
Now for the actual homework part:
1.) Topic for my project
I sometimes fear for our country. Not for it's well being in foreign affairs, or for it's domestic economy, but for the core ideals of our nation. The main issue I see come under fire is freedom of religion, and while I don't think my rights have been taken, I feel like some groups are really pushing the limits.
I've seen court cases where one's religion can be used against them, especially in child custody cases [The Wild Hunt]. I've seen hate groups rally to make their religion the only tolerated religion [40 Days Over DC]. I'm sure we've all seen the Westburrow Baptist Church rally against homosexuality, other religions, and the freedom to explore these that our country gives us (ironically using the same freedoms to protest).
I'll probably write this in report form, but the idea of a short story is quite appealing as well. I have time, so I'll probably bounce a few ideas around in my head.
2.) Presentation 1 Notes
Two articles I'm using as sources in class:
USA Today - States seek to link public assistance, drug testing [1]
ACLU - Drug Testing of Public Assistance Recipients as a Condition of Eligibility [2]
The main issue here is that 27 states are all planning to introduce a bill to make it mandatory to be drug tested before receiving public assistance. In some states, this is limited to unemployment, while in others, wellfare is also included.
Some states, like Texas, plan to deny those who fail the test's benefits. [1] Other states, like Massachusetts, plan on making those who fail attend rehab. [1]
Some groups believe this is a violation of our 4th Amendment rights against unreasonable search an seizures. [2] The same article also states that wellfare recipients are just as likely as non recipients to use drugs, as shown in studies. [2]
Personally, I think that's irrelevant. The point of this bill isn't to reveal how many citizens are using drugs, but rather to make sure funds are given to those who need it. I don't think any law maker wants tax-payer dollars being used to buy drugs, and that's what happens about 10% of the time now [2]. This search is also not unreasonable. One is not required to receive wellfare or unemployment, so it's not as if we're forcing citizens to submit to random screenings. I think this is a very fair and valid bill.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Edits may be made to update notes. On 9/9/11, the post will be finalized, and no edits made.*
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