MIT271b:  Technology and Human Values

STUDY QUESTIONS FOR Test 1
ONTOLOGY: What general value does technology have?

The test will contain only 4 of 6 possible questions:
 5 are below; during class I will announce the sixth, to concern the lecture by Prof. Milde.
You will be required to answer only 3 of the 4 that appear on the test. 
Complete answers should be approximately 200-400 words each.

1.	Define the four different kinds of value:  intrinsic, instrumental, inherent, and contributory.  Using examples, explain how nature might be considered valuable in each of these ways.  Using examples, explain how technology might be considered valuable in each of these ways.

2.	Describe the three historical revolutions in technology, beginning with an account of the most basic state of human technology.

3.	What are the three undesirable possibilities for the future relationship between humans and technology predicted by Ted Kaczynski (“the unabomber”)?  What is Raymond Kurzweil’s response?

4.	According to David Strong, what are devices?  What is the problem with devices?

5.	What is the tragedy of the commons?  How does it apply to the human population?  Why does Garrett Hardin maintain that it cannot be solved technologically?  What solution does he propose?  What is the greatest weakness in his position?