1500 Words (not including bibliography)

INSTRUCTIONS

This consists of two questions total: one short and one long-answer questions. You must answer each question separately.

The short answers should be no less than 500 words, while the long response should be no less than 1000 words (1500 words minimum for the assignment, but you may go over without penalty). Standard formatting applies; double-spaced, in a regular font. You may use MLA or APA, but please, no cover sheet required. Also, you must include a bibliography or works cited at the end of your midterm exam. Always be sure to cite your sources.

Please include the question at the top of each response.

Be sure to include a word count at the end of each response.

Please answer clearly and completely.

GUIDELINES

In your responses, be sure to refer to the readings for guidance in providing a framework for your thinking. You’re welcome to draw upon research of your own, but you must do so in addition to demonstrating your familiarity with what the required readings have said, and with accuracy about the views expressed there.

As always, define your terms and give examples that illustrate what you think to be true. And, take seriously those who would object to your views.

For this assignment, please be sure to have read the papers by Moor, Cook, Johnson, Hillis, Feenberg, Winner, and the ethical theorists. Then, answer the following questions:

Short-answer questions (pick one; 500 words each):

1. What does Johnson mean by claiming that computer technologies create new instrumentations of human action? Explain, defend your answer, and give an example.

2. According to Hillis, what is a universal computer? Explain and give an example.

3. Which of Feenbergs views about technology and its relationship to values do you think best explain computer technologies? Explain, defend your answer, and give an example.

Long-answer question (1000 words):

1. Are some computer technologies inherently political? Drawing from the writings of Winner, Feenberg, Moor, Johnson, and Cook: explain, defend your answer, and give an example not used in the text.

ON FORMATTING

I will accept both APA or MLA styles, however do not include a cover sheet. When doing research, you may use sources from any periodical from the internet or other written sources, but DO NOT use Wikipedia as a source. The sources may be from peer-reviewed journals or popular blogs. For example, check the Science and Technology sections from NPR, or The New York Times, etc. Other popular Tech based sites and blogs, such as Ars-Technica or Tech Crunch, are perfectly acceptable. If you have any questions about a specific source, please ask before using it. Please be sure to include a bibliography or works cited for all relevant information. Always be sure to cite your sources.