Moral Challenges of Modern Science. Research Paper

Holly Diao
Mrs. McKeagney
English 4CP
14 Febuary 2018
Moral Challenges of Modern Science
INTRODUCTION
In the dawn of technological advancement and innovations from different industries, humans have made a tremendous move of applying technology in almost every sphere of life. It seems that technology has become a solution to every problem that man will ever face. However, the focus on this knowledge raises a moral question about dangers and risks that accompany technological innovation. Should humans embrace technology in every sphere just because they have the abilities to tap into the power of technology? This paper provides a moral response to this question by discussing the advantages and moral challenges of technology in healthcare, transport sector, and social interactions.
TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTHCARE
Benefits. The use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in hospitals has produced desirable outcomes. According to Exscribe, EHR system provides a timely access to electronic records among hospitals. Exscribe also reports that three times the number of surveyed physicians reported that EHR systems helped them avoid medication errors. Additionally, 70% of the lab technicians relied on alerts from medication errors. The EHR system enables medical professionals to access and analyze records about patients without necessarily having to communicate directly with patients. EHR reduces paperwork, duplication of information, and reduction of cost of healthcare. Hospitals can exchange information within a short time, leading to informed decision-making about the status of the patient. Mobile health (M-health) technology has simplified storage and access to information by both patients and physicians. The interaction between patients and physicians over m-health platforms has reduced the need for visiting hospitals. Doctors can communicate and monitor the progress of their patients using mobile phones. Apart from the storage of information, technological equipment such as X-rays and CT scans have helped in early diagnosis of chronic diseases. Early diagnosis helps the doctor and the patient to prepare to manage the disease. X-rays and CT scans provide accurate results that physicians use to decide the kind of treatment patient deserves (“EHR”).
Ethical Questions. In spite of the unlimited advantages of technological inventions in the healthcare sector, gene editing has introduced dangers that are a threat to humanity. During gene editing, doctors edit the reproduction genes (DNA) by adding or eliminating undesired features. The controversial gene editing in China on Nana and Lulu serve as a reliable example. The scientist edited CCR genes in the embryo so that the embryo could be resistant to HIV/AIDS infection. According to Kuo, 120 scientists released a report condemning the gene editing process. Furthermore, gene editing raises justice and equality questions. The affluent in the society have access to gene editing technology compared to the poor. As a result, the wealthy can use the advantage they have to capitalize on the benefits of this technology, leading to an increase in the gap between the poor and the affluent (Kuo). Another issue arises from informed consent. Parents make decision about the future of the embryo without its consent. Since life begins at conception, any decision that affects the future of the child without the consent of the child raises ethical concerns. Additionally, one cannot foresee the risk that the mutations will pose to the society. Gene editing has failed to win global consensus due to dangers and fears that scientists could interfere with the human species.
TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORT
Benefits. The Integration of technology in the production of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to innumerable benefits on the transport industry and the environmental conservation. According to Dhar, India has embraced the technology of EVs in an attempt to curb and minimize pollution. EVs have significant advantages over gasoline cars. EVs work by using electricity stored in rechargeable batteries. Their primary advantage lies in providing choices over the gasoline and cars. According to Dhar, the demand for energy between 2010 and 2050 is likely to increase by 6.9 times. In this scenario, the diminishing oil and gas resources call for utilization of electricity from renewable energy sources. Diversity in fuel choices will lead to less competition for fuel, leading to an indirect advantage for environmental conservation. The reliance on clean sources of energy reduces the cost of operation and maintenance of Evs. In the effort to curb air pollution from carbon and other chemical compounds from gasoline, governments encourage people to opt for efficient and environment-friendly EVs. This makes EVs to be cheaper due to subsidy from the government. Dhar writes that “Indian government has instituted policies that enable EVs through incentives such as the capital subsidies under the FAME program” (Dhar). The investment in the EV industry has led to a reduction in the cost of EVs. Additionally, since the government encourages use of EVs, owners enjoy benefits of exemption from tariffs.
Ethical Questions. In spite of the discussed advantages, investment in EVs raises poses dangers that cannot be ignored. Should people put their lives at risk by relying on self-driven cars? Self-driven hybrid cars cannot be self-efficient to the extent of replacing human drivers. Self-driven hybrid cars replace humans, leading to a decrease in employment opportunities. Klauss records the ratio of drivers to hybrid cars in India to be 1000:11, indicating the higher number of drivers rendered jobless. EVs can cause fires when involved in accidents, leaving few casualties compared to conventional cars where people sustain injuries. EVs propagate air pollution indirectly. Klauss writes that “electricity is not exactly a clean, Earth-friendly power source, since it is produced mostly in coal-burning power plants”. Most countries have not evolved to produce maximum amount of clean electricity for recharging EVs. The focus on the availability and affordability of EVs increases the demand for electricity produced coal power plants, leading to an indirect contribution to pollution (“Since”). Additionally, EV technology remains an experimental process. Consumers have not developed confidence in this technology, leading to its sluggish growth. In case the vehicle runs out of charge, the driver has to choose for gasoline engine used as a backup, implying that EVs remain dangerous investments.
THIRD CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY IN SOCAL INTERACTION
Benefits. Social media communication has introduced innumerable benefits in communication. The era of internet has helped break communication barriers. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Wechat, and Instagram have minimized the need for physical interactions. Today, people can communicate and socialize over the internet, share experiences using live videos, and exchange information without necessarily engaging in physical communication. Smartphones have created a virtual world of interaction for people with access to the internet regardless of physical distances. In the survey conducted by Diao to determine the role of social media in people’s lives, 49.25% of the participants responded that social media has had a positive impact to their lives. A separate study posted in Inforbase Learning found 67% of Americans use social media for communication and staying connected to friends and families (Diao). Technology has brought people together virtually, minimizing the costs of physical interaction. Additionally, people have often used hashtags on social media to keep others informed of trending issues. During disasters, people stay connected and share informative knowledge on how to stay safe (“Social Media”).
Ethical Questions. Even though technology has broken communication barriers, social media is a dangerous innovation in human history. In the survey by Diao, 65.15% report that the number of likes they receive from social media posts determine their mood. Another point of concern stems from how social media sites break physical bonds. Over-reliance on social networking sites for social interactions has separated families. Young people do not understand the need of visiting their aging parents, leading to weakening of family bonds. People also find it difficult keeping physical interactions active due to sudden interruptions from mobile devices. In Diao’s research, 64.15% reported that they use social media for staying in touch with friends and families. Cyber bullying has had a tremendous effect on lives of young people and adults who have met friends online (Diao). Social media does not restrict sharing of content, leading to people taking advantage of others for malicious intentions. The danger of entrusting strangers in the virtual ...