Humans And Technology: Partners In The Future Essay

With the rate that technology is constantly improving many question the state of humans in the future when technology might possibly overtake human development. However, those who believe that the future is a place where humans will be enslaved by technology and man will no longer be enjoying the liberties now enjoyed might be in for a surprise because technology is currently designed to assist humans and improve the human quality of life. Humans and technology are set to become partners in the future because man created technology for his advancement and advantage, technology was designed to support human existence and technology was designed to improve life. The first programmable computer was invented in 1938 which was followed by the development of many other types of computers through the years. (ComputerHope) For many, this was the beginning of technology; but the fact remains that technology is the use of existing materials to improve or enhance the performance of a particular task. So based on this concept of technology, then such a concept existed as early as the time that man discovered the use of fire or when the Chinese first developed the wheel. Technology has been around for ages and for all of these instances its objective was to make the performance of a task easier. This means that the task performed is done by a human and the addition of technology simply makes the task performed by the said human much is easier to do. Technology was never intended to replace humans because it is there to exist side by side with its creator to assist in and to enhance the performance of a task. On this premise, it is easy to gather evidence that in fact, in the future, humans and technology are set to become partners to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of many things from services to products, and to the more mundane conveniences in life. One proof that humans and technology are most likely to become mutual partners in the future is the fact that technology is created for the advancement or advantage of man. Robotics is one of the aspects of technology that proves this particular point. There are suppositions that â€Å"the accelerating pace of technological change allows us to build machines like cyborgs (machine-enhanced humans like the Six Million Dollar Man), androids (human-robot hybrids like Data in Star Trek) and other combinations beyond what we can even imagine. † (Carnett) These innovations in robotics are set to blur the distinction between man and machine, making man perform in ways that are beyond what one can conceive. With robotics man will be able to raise a two hundred pound weight as easily as a forklift. Mike Harden once commented that, â€Å"in robotics, I want to do it. It’s because I’m a magically different person in robotics. † (2010) Such a comment simply shows how this kind of technology can improve even the way humans view themselves in the context of technology – that man is empowered by technology and technology exists merely as a means of improving what man is able to normally do. Robotics is the best evidence that technology simply exists to make tasks easier for humans. This fact is validated by current situations where â€Å"Robots already perform many [dangerous] functions, from making cars to defusing bombs or firing missiles. (Singer and Sagan) These tasks can be lethal to humans and with the purpose of keeping humans away from risky situations, robots are utilized. Which brings the discussion to the second proof that in the future humans and technology are bound to become mutual partners – the technological purpose of human life support. Technology is designed to support human existence which is why it cannot be perceived as something that will ultimately destroy and/or cause the extinction of the human race. Medicine is the field of science where technology ultimately plays a role in supporting the existence of human life. For instance, â€Å"Dr. Howard W. Jones Jr. , the surgeon, along with his wife, Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones, helped to create the first test tube baby born in the United States† (Epstein) These scientists insist that human reproduction is not as efficient as it would first seem to be so technology needs to assist humans in the matter of procreation. Epstein) This basically shows the purpose of such a controversial technological advancement as ‘in vitro fertilization’ is not to smite the laws of nature or to cause the extinction of the human race but on the contrary, to support such existence so that reproduction will be more efficient when compared to natural reproduction which can be affected by other, more risky influences and may result to abnormal conception or childbirth. Even scientists who are involved in such questionable technological advances like cloning accept and concede to the belief that even these kinds of scientific procedures are intended for the betterment of future generations, hence, Dr. Margaret McLean (2010) asserts that, â€Å"The question is not whether we ought to ban or applaud cloning but why would we choose to go forward and whether our choices bode well or ill for present and future children and our relationships with them. (Sterns) This basically shows how scientists themselves agree to the role of technology in terms of ensuring and supporting the existence of the human race. This particular belief is connected to how technology is able to improve and enhance the quality of life of human beings. From the ordinary toaster to the microwave oven to the more complex capabilities of the newest models of cellular phones intended for mobile communication, the future of technology is quite clear to be a future where humans will most likely live better lives because of how innovations can make life easier and more convenient. However, these are merely the superficial and tangible representations of such a future; other, more complex studies and more world-shattering innovations are on their way. One such innovation can be found in genetics. The most amazing developments in this field can be seen in the development of gene therapy and genetic engineering. â€Å"Gene therapy has very real potential for enhancing human health† (Adams) because it addresses the flaws in human genes and corrects these flaws thereby remedying whatever physical or physiological problems are caused by that particular damaged gene. Considering this capability of gene therapy, then it is not strange if one day a diabetic is able to eat as much sugar as he/she wants to or a hypertensive is able to smoke as much as he/she wants. These effects are the perceived effects of gene therapy where the gene that causes the illness or the ailment is corrected and reintroduced into the human body. Another implication of genetics is in agriculture where food can be genetically engineered resulting in bigger tomatoes, cholesterol-free swine, and eggs or nuts that do not have any allergens! Therefore, â€Å"Plant science and plant gene technology will be critical activities of the nation’s response to many challenges it faces in the coming decades† (AAS) These challenges include the resolution of hunger, the provision of healthier food alternatives, and the sustainability of food stores for all the people in the world. Obviously, as is illustrated in these examples, technology is set to make the lives of humans more convenient. The standard of living for humans will increase with technology taking headway into the future. This particular aspect of technology is hard evidence that in the future, technology will be a partner of human beings in making the world a better place to live in. The fallacy of machines dominating humans in the future and the development of super-intelligences that will overtake human intelligence is, at this point, science fiction, because as circumstances show, technology is doing nothing nowadays but assisting humans and making life easier. The image of humans being chained by robots and made to do their bidding or used as fodder for their cogs and screws is an image that will hopefully remain in literature as the future of technology is bright in the context of how it can assist humans and improve and enhance human life. Partnership means having mutual benefit not merely focusing on the benefits of one party and in the case of technology, the benefits are both ways. The future is when humans will get as much from technology as technology from humans because without humans, technology will remain static and will no longer move onward in development. Evidence shows that as technology moves further away from the discovery of fire and the modeling of the wheel humans are set to enjoy the future with technology as an indispensable partner. Recent advancements in various fields such as robotics, genetics, medicine, and other fields of science have showed that technology will most likely be a partner to humans in the future because technology serves to make human life more convenient, it exists to support human existence, and it is designed to improve the human quality of life. Technology, while seemingly threatening to some, is in fact moving toward a fruitful and productive partnership with the human race not far into the twentieth century.

Chinese Three Mafia essays

Chinese Three Mafia essays I. The Chinese mafia began in order to overthrow the Han dynasty. A. The group started by helping the people fight against mistreatments sone by the government. B. The group operates on a simple hierarchy system that has been used for hundreds of years. C. After the end of the Qing Dynasty, the groups became split on what to do. I. Triads came to America during the late 1800s A. Tom Lee was the founder of one of Americas first Triad groups. B. Mock Duck created a second group which started war between the two factions. C. Technology has helped the Triads become more efficient criminals. I. In modern times, the triads have broadened their business to include prostitution, imigration, money laundering, opium A. Illegal immigrants are often shipped here under poor conditions B. Woman are forced to either work prostitution or even become a slave house wife. IV. The Chinese mafia is currently a powerful force that holds dire consequences for those who cross them. A. Businesses that have the words tong or society can be suspect of having triad ties. B. Triads often hide as corporations to conceal their identities. C. Agencies from all over the world are trying to stop triads illegal actions. V. Overall the group preys on the weak and should be avoided. The Chinese Mafia or Triads as they are commonly referred as, is one of the oldest and most powerful organizations in the world. Since 200 years before Christ, it has been controlling everything from business to the individual, yet it masquerades as an organization for the people. For the past few decade's agencies have been trying to battle the organized crime syndicate, but little ground has been made. The Triads have gone through many changes as time has progressed. First starting as a rebellion, a crime ring, and now a powerful force that has many agencies trying to track its every move. In the beginning...

Ancient art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ancient art - Research Paper Example The kind of art and culture that developed during this phase came to be known by the name of Cycladic Art. The next phase initiated around 1900 B.C.E. and continued its influence till 1375 B.C.E. This phase was known by the name of Minoan Art. The last cultural phase of the civilization was known by the name of Mycenaean Art and it developed and flourished between 1400 to 1100 B.C.E2. Since the evolution and unveiling of the Aegean civilisation and culture, the Aegean art has evolved out as a subject of obscurity. The first phase of the artistic movement or the trends inherent in the Cycladic art of the Aegean period are based on simple geometrical shapes. The prototype figurine of the Cycladic period represents a nude woman with a position where they fold their arms across their abdomen. These kinds of woman figurine have been widely discovered in graves and settlements equally. The sizes of the figures have also varied widely from few inches to almost life-like sizes which depict t he form of human body in a highly schematic manner. Simple triangles, large in size, dominate the form. The body of the idol projects out from the large head and is marked by broad shoulders to a decreasing width resulting in tiny feet. The pubis is present within the body in an incised form and also appears triangular in shape. For ages, there have been intense assumptions regarding the use of schematic large triangles in the female body and the use of the nude figurine for depicting a deceased person, based on the fact that many such Cycladic statues were discovered from graves. Even, the male statues as one discovered from the graves and settlements, appear with simple geometric shapes. Here also a typified figurine or form is noticed.... Since the evolution and unveiling of the Aegean civilisation and culture, the Aegean art has evolved out as a subject of obscurity. The first phase of the artistic movement or the trends inherent in the Cycladic art of the Aegean period are based on simple geometrical shapes. The prototype figurine of the Cycladic period represents a nude woman with a position where they fold their arms across their abdomen. These kinds of woman figurine have been widely discovered in graves and settlements equally. The sizes of the figures have also varied widely from few inches to almost life-like sizes which depict the form of human body in a highly schematic manner. Simple triangles, large in size, dominate the form. The body of the idol projects out from the large head and is marked by broad shoulders to a decreasing width resulting in tiny feet. The pubis is present within the body in an incised form and also appears triangular in shape. For ages, there have been intense assumptions regarding t he use of schematic large triangles in the female body and the use of the nude figurine for depicting a deceased person, based on the fact that many such Cycladic statues were discovered from graves. Even, the male statues as one discovered from the graves and settlements, appear with simple geometric shapes. Here also a typified figurine or form is noticed. Male statutes appear in a sitting posture and are depicted as musicians playing a Lyre for his self amusement or to entertain the deceased or people from after life.

Final Exam Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Final Exam - Speech or Presentation Example the three-week training program, and then were tested again.  The dataset also includes (1) a measure of participant confidence in knowledge and (2) a certification exam score. The data are discipline-neutral. Therefore, part of your final project is to create a context for the research that is associated with your discipline or area of interest (e.g., training to assess mental health status; training to work with special education children; training to become a technician or consultant).   This work is an investigation into the impact of a training program on the knowledge base of three categories of employees. The employees are classified as professionals, paraprofessionals and non-professionals. The objective is to evaluate the impact of the training on the knowledge base of the employees in the various categories and establish whether the training had significant impact on the performance of each category. There is high consistency among all variables with the assumptions of normality. For example, the absolute skewness values are all within the range 0

Building Regulations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Building Regulations - Essay Example Gilbert   Scott,   that   had   been   closed   in   1982.  Ã‚   The   former   power   station   offered   all   the   space   that   was   needed   for   the   new   museum.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An   international   architectural   competition   was   held   which   attracted   entries   from   all   over   the   world.   However,   Herzog   and   De   Meuron   a   small   Swiss   firm   won   the   honor   of   building   the   Tate   Modern.   The   main   reason   they   won   was   that   their   proposal   wanted   to   retain   much   of   the   essential   character   of   the   building.   The   power   station   consisted   of   a   huge   turbine   hall,   thirty-five   metres   high   and   152   metres   long,   parallel   to   it   is   the   boiler   house.   The   turbine   hall   has   become   a   dramatic   entrance   area   with   ramped   access,   plus  Ã‚   exhibit   for   large   sculptural   projects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The   boiler   house   became   the   galleries,   and   are   on   three   levels   running   the   full   length   of   the   building.   The   galleries   are   in   separate   but   linked   blocks   called   suites,   and   on   either   side   of   the   escalators.   The   Tate   collection   of   modern   art   is   displayed   on   two   of   the   gallery   floors,   the   third   is   devoted   to   temporary   exhibitions.   To   the   original   roofline   of   the   power   station   Herzog   and   De   Meuron   added   a   two-storey   galls   penthouse   called   a   light beam.   The   top   level   of   this   houses   a   cafï ¿ ½-restaurant   with   stunning   views   of   the   river   and   the   City.   The   lower   levels   are   members   room   with   terraces   on   both   sides   of   the   building.   The   chimney   is   capped   by   a   colored   light,   known   as   the   swiss   light,   feature   designed   by   the   artist   Michael   Craig-Martin.   The   penthouse   light beam   and  

Professional Bio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Professional Bio - Essay Example He also has comprehensive knowledge in therapeutic interventions and collaborative treatment process, besides outstanding interpersonal and communication skills that include superior accuracy in patient history, charting, and other documentations. Mr. Martins has also demonstrated his ability to forge and motivate outstanding healthcare teams that provide top-quality patient care.  He is objective oriented, self-motivated, and energetic and is a focused professional with a strong professional and academic background in nursing. Attributed to his major strengths are characteristics such as flexibility, good client relations, nursing knowledge, decision-making skills, and communication skills for training and presentations. in 2009, and a Certificate in Nursing Vocational Management Training in 2003. Other academic qualifications include a Certificate in Nursing Health Training Services from Wheaton Maryland in 2000, and High School Diploma, Government High School  General Studies in 1994. Mr. Martins has, since 2007, worked as a registered nurse in various institutions; Davita downtown Baltimore, Prince Georges Regional Hospital, Woodbine Nursing and Rehab, Inc Virginia,  and Home Health Connection in Chevy Chase. While in these institutions, he served in different capacities such as in medical surgical unit, monitoring and evaluation of nursing care in acute respiratory unit, and general care services such as admission and discharge of patients as well as patient education. Prior to these, he had worked as a licensed practicing nurse with Home Health Connection in Maryland, Manor care Nursing and Rehabilitation in Wheaton Maryland in 2007, and Springhouse Manor Care Health in Bethesda, Maryland in 2005 where he administered patient care. He also worked as a Geriatric nursing assistant with Collins Hood Nursing and

Setting In The Heros Walk Cultural Studies Essay

Setting In The Heros Walk Cultural Studies Essay Setting is a device used by most authors, to represent the elements of time, place and social context in their work. These elements help in creating a mood, building a character or providing credibility to the events that take place during the time period of the novel. Throughout the novel, The Heros Walk by Anita Rau Badami, different proportions of these elements are revealed to help the plot move forward. This novel is set in a town of Toturpuram situated in India; telling a story about the hardships of an middle class Indian family who have been living in the same house for several decades. The story revolves around a Canadian-raised orphans clash between tradition and modernity, who is forced to live with her grandparents in India, after losing both her parents in a car accident. This novel is a wise and affectionate portrait of middle class life in India during the 20th century. The religious influence, traditional culture and weak political system of India have been accurately reflected in this novel. India is known as the land of spirituality and philosophy, as it has been a birthplace for several religions that exist in todays world. The religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism have all been originated on the land of India. However the religion that is practiced by majority of the population and believed to be one of the oldest religions in the world is Hinduism. The religion is the way of life in India. All the main characters in this novel are also the followers of Hinduism, who are impacted by religion in one way or another. Badami has incorporated the religion into these characters lives very cunningly throughout the novel. Hinduism believes in the birth and reincarnation of souls, which are immortal and imperishable. A soul is a part of a jiva, the limited being, who is subject to the impurities of attachment, delusion and laws of karma (www.hinduwebsite.com). This novel helps the readers understand the lives of middle class families in India during the 20th century, which were greatly influenced by the religion. The example of such a character is Raju, who even blames god for the unfortunate condition of his life, when he says, That bastard god up there must have decided: This bloke is laughing and smiling too much. Give him a taste of something nasty. I must have been a murdering rogue in my last life, and now I am paying for it. (Badami, 121). In most Hindu families, the first bit knowledge received by a new born child is always something related to the religion. The children are taught about the history of their religion, their gods and goddesses and much more, even before they know how to walk pro perly. There is an similar instance in the novel where Nandana starts praying to Hanuman to send her parents back to her; the brave monkey god, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ who always helped people in trouble (Badami, 250). At this point of time, Nandana is not really aware of the significance of Hanuman in her religion, but she just starts praying because that is what she has been told to do from the time she was born. Earlier in the novel, Sripathi says that he doesnt believe in god or any religion. However, later in the story when he is suffering from most difficult time of his life, he also starts praying and believing in god, in hope for a better life. The Rao family even has a separate room dedicate to god known as Prayer room, where all the members of the family pray to god at least once a day. The room is full of statues of god, posters of different gods and goddesses and some sacred texts of Hinduism. This shows how and why people of India in the 20th century were deeply dependent and i nfluenced by religion throughout their lives. Unity in diversity is the perfect phrase that describes a country like India, which is incredibly rich in culture and heritage (www.mapsofindia.com). The languages, dance, music, religions and customs differ from one place to another in India; still possessing a sense of commonality all over the nation. The caste system is one of the main highlights of the Indian culture, being one of the oldest and biggest caste systems around the world. India is home to several thousand ethnic groups, tribes, castes, and religions. The castes and subcastes in each region relate to each other through a permanent hierarchical structure, with each caste having its own name, traditional occupation, rank, and distinctive subculture (http://www.everyculture.com ). There are five different categories or levels in this caste system: Brahman, Harijans, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra within Hinduism. Within each of those categories are the actual castes, which people are born, marry, and die, and have their o wn place among each other. This system has worked well for hundreds of years and still plays a major role in modern India (http://www.csuchico.edu ). Badami has effectively used the model of caste system in her novel to provide the readers with an insight of Indian culture during the time period of the novel. There are some important events that take place in the novel, which are direct reflections of the caste system of India. When Maya marries a guy who she loves while studying in Canada, her parents Sripathi Rao and Nirmala decide to cut off their own daughter for marrying out of caste, religion and race (Badami, 319). There is an another instance of caste system playing an important role in the novel, when Ammaya denies Putti of getting married to Gopala because of his lower caste in the society. Even the street where the Big House is located is called Brahmin Street; showing the deep roots of the caste system in Indias society. The Indian Social System is mostly based on the Jo int family System because of its culture and traditions. The families are closely knit with Grandfathers, fathers, sons and grandsons sharing the same spirit, tradition and property   (www.indianmirror.com). It can be also seen in the novel that Sripathi, being the eldest male member in the family, is the head of the family who makes all important decisions. And rest of the family members are forced to abide by those decisions. In conclusion, the caste system and the joint family system are the main highlights of Indian culture, which is so diverse that it changes in different parts of the country. India is a land of festivals and fairs. Every day of the year, there is a festival celebrated in part of the country or another. There are festivals that celebrate the harvest, the seasons of the year, the full moon or the birthdays of divine beings, saints or gurus (www.kamat.com). Some of these festivals are also celebrated in this novel, which includes festivals like Deepawali and Yugadi. The festival of Deepawali is known as the festival of lights, celebrated on the return of Hindu god Rama, from a 14 years of banishment. In this novel, this festival is used as a means of bringing back a long gone happiness (light) to the Big House. This is the festival, when Nandana starts talking to everyone for the first time in the house, everyone buys new clothes and burst firecrackers etc. (Badami, 243). On this occasion, Putti also gets married to Gopala, bringing joy to the Rao family for the first time since Maya had left the house. Another festival is celebrated in the novel, which mark s the beginning of the new year according to Hindu calendar, called Yugadi (literally meaning the beginning of the year). India was ruled for over 300 years by Britishers, before gaining its independence in 1947. After about 60 years of its independence, India now has one of the largest constitutions compared to any democratic country in the world. However, during the time period of this novel, this political system of India was still very young; containing many flaws in it. It obviously takes time for a country such as India to put a fully fledged political system in place but things such as corruption, increasing terrorism and unethical political practices just made it worse. The most damaging weakness of Indias political class is its lack of credibility. Regardless of the truth, people at large are convinced that the entire political class is corrupt (www.allvoices.com). This is also evident in the novel when Sripathi expresses his views about politicians all of them are corrupt, and only become rich by stealing money from the poor and helpless (Badami, 232). At the time of this novel, terrorism, na xalism and religious violence were some of the main political issues that exploited the weaknesses of the political parties. The politicians had to hire goons for their own security and to make sure that everything was under control. There is an incident in the novel when Sripathis neighbour asks him about his views on the naxalism in Assam, and then Sripathi describes it as, Gol-maal politics as usual (Badami, 158). This shows the amount of frustration a middle class person had to go through because of the weak political system at that point of time. At an another instance, he also addresses politicians as corporate thugs and mafia who run police stations and other assorted crooks (Badami, 155). The author has incorporated the details about religious influence on Indian population, their culture and their young political system very intelligently in this novel. Hinduism is practiced by over 80% of Indias population, making it one of the biggest religions in India. The religion had a huge impact on peoples lives during the time period of the novel. It also acted as the root of various cultures and traditions that can be found in different parts of India today. The weak political system of India has also been accurately depicted in this novel. All the above details suggest that this novel by Anita Rau Badami, gives the readers an accurate insight into a middle class Indian persons life during mid 20th century. Works Cited List Callaham, Terence. Indias Caste System.  Home CSU, Chico. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. . DAMAGED AND WEAK INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM.  Breaking News, Current Events, Latest News and World Events at Allvoices.com. 03 May 2010. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. . Festivals of India Index.  Kamats Potpourri The History, Mystery, and Diversity of India. 15 June 2010. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. . Hockings, Paul. Culture of India Traditional, History, People, Clothing, Traditions, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family, Social, Dress, Marriage, Men, Life, Tribe, Population, Religion, Rituals.Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. . India Culture.  India Map, Map of India. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. .   INDIAN CULTURE TRADITIONAL CULTURE IN INDIA.  Indian, India Travel, Indian Clothes, Indian Culture, Indian Arts. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. . V, Jayaram. Death and Afterlife in Hinduism.  Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Other Resources. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. .