NBC reading

Chapter 1

1. Summarize the distinction from the traditional Klines & Clines
Definition of the cyborg vs. the one that Clark is proposing?
Kilnes & Clines definition of the cyborg is artificial devices that help enhance human activities. The device are implanted or attached to the human. While Clark definition of a cyborg is any form of technology. Any objects that change the way human live are a form of a cyborg.

2. What kind of model might you have that is different than this?
For me a cyborg is partly machines and partly living organism. It might not be a 50-50 percentage but as long as the machines part is active and is important to the person just like every part of their body. However, the mechanic parts have to be part of the person and without it they won’t be able to survive.

3. What other kind of definitions of cyborg might there be?
There are many kind of definition like the one in movies.

Chapter 2

1. Summarize a definition as described in the book of what the
Significant attributes are for 'opaque' technology vs. an a
'Transparent’ technology
Opaque technologies are things that only some people would no how to access it and is not open to the public to understand, like missile launcher. Transparent technology are objects that are made simple for everyday uses and everyone can learn it easy and use it so easily that we don’t even have to think about it, like flushing the toilet.

2. Give some examples of technology that should be more transparent
And others that should be more opaque.
Technology that should be transparent: phone, toilet, car, oven, microwave, and refrigerator
Opaque technology: race car, tanks, atom bomb, and airplane

3.Does the watch and dictionary example seem valid to you? Why?
Yes watch should be a transparent technology so we can all check on the time. The dictionary is still a bit opaque since people have to learn to look it up and it will take more time to look for certain words. However, people are trying to make it more transparent to make it easier to find definition of words by using the Internet.

Chapter 3-4

1. In Chapter 3, there is the idea of our 'softselves' following in
Step with our actual body and that the body can quite quickly be
Changed when the right' neuro-adjustments are made. What kind of
Personal experience can you share that confirms or deny this idea.
What can you share that give us sense of how you relate to your body?
As part of yourself or your identity.
There is this “magic” trick that my sister did on me when I was little. I press my hand hard together and at the same time she say some word. Than she told me to relax and it would feel that my hand is floating, even though it is not really doing anything. But it just feels and looks like it is floating.

2. Try one of the several experiments in the book that demonstrates
How our senses can be fooled and subverted
Page. 59-60.

3. What are the important properties that must be present in order for?
A system to create telepresence.
The properties that must be present to create a telepresence system are control, communication, and feedback.

4. What forms of telepresence do you find the most attractive?
Meaningful and what are some of the more destructive elements about it?
The thing that I like about telepresence is that I can have control over the communication and feedback of things. I can observe things that are far away and have feedback of the place. However, some bad things about it are that I can overuse it and forget about my own surrounding.

Chapter 5&6
To investigate some of the ideas in the chapters on body
Modifications, consciousness and identity and the idea of displaced
Agency. Use these ideas to create notes and thoughts for your blogs.

Describe and illustrate 2 models model of humans and human lifestyle
Make these humans that are based on evolution vs. revolution
Create a list of attribute and features for each model.
Then make a 2 quick drawing to illustrate this example.
Share these drawings with the class.

Version 1.5 (evolution)
Design a new human with their new tools and external agencies that
Culturally sensitive, approachable, desirable.


Version 2.0 (revolution)
Design a new human with their new tools and external agencies that is
The ultimate last word on redefining of what a human could be should
Be. The bet human possible.

In my group we had many different approach.
Francis and Ali
1.5: regular people but have enhance features.
2.0: particle race… people no longer have physical form but are in particle and can travel wherever they want
John and me (Anhkhoa)
1.5: People with technology enhancement, people are able to access to the Internet by just thinking about it
2.0: the human race would be genetic modify with animals species and have abilities of animals, like fins and wing and able to use it.


In your group discuss chapters 7 & 8 and the author's list of the
Common and not so common issues that technology brings to humanity.

• Inequality --
• Intrusion --
• Uncontrollability --
• Overload --
• Alienation --
• Narrowing --
• Deceit --
• Degradation --
• Disembodiment --

Q1. Pick the top 3 issues that he brings up that cause you the most
Concern in terms of how machines are effecting you personally and the
World as a whole. Why?

Intrusion:
Disembodiment:
Uncontrollability:

Q2. Pick the least 2 issues of least concern to you, ones that you
Find to be ok, or not really relevant.

Inequality:
Overload:

Q3. Is there any other technology issues/concerns that you have that?
Are not listed my the author.

Environment: Technologies effect the environment we live in even if we don't recognize it.

Q4. How does the author take all these concerns into consideration?
What talking about his idea of natural born cyborgs?
Is he just pro- technology? If not why?

The author points out views about cyborgs. He doesn't state any positive or negative opinion of his own. He only gave out facts on what technology does overall from both sides. He doesn't talk about just pro technology because he wants reader to think about the issues on our own. He only states fact about technology.