Technology and Its Influences on Humanity Essay Example for Free

Technology and Its Influences on Humanity Essay As technology becomes a bigger part of our every day life, more people are questioning its influences on our humanity. There are many factors to consider when looking at this question, beginning with, â€Å"who is affecting whom?† Are we changing our technology to fit our ideas on humanity, or is our humanity changing the way we influence technology? We also need to look at the meaning of the words technology and humanity to understand the question fully. Yes, technology has a huge influence on our humanity as it is such a major part of our every day lives and has become part of the evolution of human nature, it modifies human qualities, while at the same time, humanity is influencing technology as the development and expansion of technology is created by humans. To start to understand this question we should look at the words and their meanings. Definition of humanity the quality or condition of being human, human nature. Human nature is the concept that there is a set of inherent distinguishing characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting. Human nature is what gives us a moral sense, provides us with the social skills to live in society. The qualities of humanity include the abilities to feel, create and love however, it also includes qualities which are not necessarily appreciated such as suffering, aging, and being imperfect. All of these natural human qualities form unique individuals which make up the fascinating diversity of human nature. Next lets look at the word technology: how people modify the natural world to suit their own purposes generally it refers to the diverse collection of processes and knowledge that people use to extend human abilities and to satisfy human needs and wants. Genetics, robotics, information technology and Nano processes – which modify and transform humans and human nature are some examples of recent advancements in the technology field. These technological innovations are adding up to a world profoundly different from the one humans are accustomed to living in. Humans greatly benefit from these technological innovations as almost all technology is created in order to make life easier and more enjoyable. Although technology is making life easier and helping human desires to become reality, in the long run, it will change the course of humanity. Technology which accomplishes work much faster, easier and simpler than humans is increasing, hence, may result in the future where humans are not needed. Although technology has many benefits for humans, the rapid developments of technology could be said to be influencing the concept of humanity. However, this exponential innovation can be considered as a part of humanity. It is true that humans are the ones who have created these innovations, hence is it correct in considering technological innovations to be part of humanity or diverged from humanity? Here is a logical explanation of the fact that humanity is influencing technology. Technology comes about only because of the human, thinking, rational mind. The human mind is the essence and core of our humanity. Without the human mind, there are no life-saving comforts that we can take for granted. Without these life-saving comforts, all of civilization as we know it would collapse†¦. without humanity, there is no technology. The development of technology is humans extending their own horizons and hence, technology can be said to be influenced by humanity or to be part of the nature of the human species. Technology is rapidly increasing as it benefits and fulfills what people want in life. However, technology is likely to influence and affect humanity in negative ways such as altering the nature of humanity which can lead to issues concerning morals. Yet at the same time, technology can be considered as a part of the nature of human evolution or an influence of human nature. However, the importance of keeping humane qualities should not be influenced, forgotten or taken over by technology. When we consider how older generations had very little if any technology (in the same form that we now consider technology) compared to present day advancements, it would seem important to compare those from older generations with those from present generations. These advancements in technology really began to boom after the first world war, due to every changing requirements to make warfare more advanced than other countries. These very quick advancements are still the basis for a lot of todays technology. Through exploring this question, it can be understood that although technology can have negative effects on humanity, it is almost impossible to eradicate the developments of technology as it is part of the evolution of human nature. Hence, humans must aim to live with technology to create meaningful value for all humanity. On the flip side, there are a lot of technology advances that have made our health and well being more advanced, we are now living longer and are more aware of any possible health complications. As well as having more capable and complicated machines to do many different things, such as diagnosing and treating the sick. However, even though technology can be considered as part of humanity, it should not be taken for granted as it is more important to preserve the qualities which make people human. It is somehow necessary to our self-understanding of what we are as human beings†¦ you can’t have courage without risk†¦ real compassion or sympathy without the personal experience of pain. Therefore, it is necessary that technology allows us to more fully express our humanity, instead of overwhelming it. Thus, what is important is what humans do with the technology which has great influence on humanity. Hence, technology should be used and created while preserving humanity.

Death and Time in Slaughterhouse-Five Essay -- Slaughterhouse-Five Ess

Death and Time in Slaughterhouse-Five We all wish we could travel through time, going back to correct our stupid mistakes or zooming ahead to see the future. In Kurt Vonnegut's novel Slaughterhouse-Five, however, time travel does not seem so helpful. Billy Pilgrim, Vonnegut's main character, has come unstuck in time. He bounces back and forth between his past, present, and future lives in a roller coaster time trip that proves both senseless and numbing. Examining Billy's time traveling, his life on Tralfamadore, and the novel's schizophrenic structure shows that time travel is actually a metaphor for our human tendency to avoid facing the unpleasant reality of death. Because he cannot control time travel, Billy is forced to relive again and again some of the most painful parts of his life. For example, Edgar Derby, his wartime father-figure, is senselessly executed by the Germans for stealing a teapot, while Valencia Pilgrim, his own wife, dies accidentally from carbon monoxide poisoning after her car's exhaust system is damaged in an accident. Barbara Greeley has observed that the effect of having to witness these events over and over is that "Billy becomes emotionally desensitized to human suffering and death, and is thus robbed of compassion" (3). Her point is well taken, for without this human emotion Billy is reduced to the level of an unfeeling machine. On the planet Tralfamadore where Billy is taken after he is kidnapped by extraterrestrials, his machine-like response to suffering and death grows only worse. Like Billy, the Tralfamadorians have no sense of chronological order; they see time as an earthling might "see a stretch of the Rocky Mountains" (85-86), with... ...ound by time, which includes the ultimate reality of death. Although death limits us by limiting our experiences, our lives are made more meaningful precisely because they are so short. Unlike Tralfamadorians, who cannot change history, we can look back in time and learn from the mistakes of the past. Only in this sense can we truly be time travelers: that we reflect on the past and incorporate its lessons into our present lives so that the future will be more productive. Sources Greeley, Barbara. "New Insights into Vonnegut's Thinking: Slaughterhouse-Five and The Sirens of Titan." Psychology Today June 1990: 1+. Marten, Stephen Edward. "Why We Read Vonnegut Today." Twentieth Century Interpretations of Kurt Vonnegut. Ed Russell Baker. New York: Norton, 1988. 8-25. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five. New York: Dell Publishing, 1988.

Evaluating Website

Evaluating a Website for Credibility Rebekah Reed Chamberlain College of Nursing NR500: Foundation Concepts and Applications Fall 2012 Evaluating a Website for Credibility With so many health-related websites on the internet it was hard to choose one. I settled on one that is personal to me and that I do a lot of teaching on with patients. I chose American Diabetes Association at www. diabetes. org. This website is found by searching any of the search engines. This website has both a consumers and professional page. Diabetes is on the rise in the nation and to have a source that has reliable information for patients is a necessity.EVALUATING WEBSITE Evaluating this website for authority was a little cumbersome. The website gives you access to news and research where information on the author and publication is listed. There is a section for communication and discussion boards as well. The majority of information is organized by tabs, ie: living with diabetes, food and fitness, etc. T here is no author on these pages, but you can find information by going to tab about us page. The purpose of this website is to give consumers objective information both education and for entertainment use.The American diabetes association is an associated started in the U. S. to help those affected by diabetes. You as a consumer are able to donate in various ways to help support the research. The website assists you in finding your local chapter and events that are happening in your geographical area. The site provides basic information regarding diabetes and care of the disease. The ease of navigation is very user friendly. I enlisted my twelve year old son and mother who is in her late sixties. I asked each to find the page that gave users information on finger sticks.Both were able to find the information with relative ease. Graphics are loaded quickly and links are functioning. A nice feature I found on this website is the ability to click on an icon that states listen to text and it reads the text to you. This is wonderful for those who have difficulty reading. In addition there are pictures on every page that are related to the topic being discussed for those who learn by visual education. Looking for privacy and security policies shows this website to be certified by Norton Symtec security, Better Business Bureau, Trust wave Trusted Commence and National Health Counsel.You do not have to be a member to get information from this website. You can become a member for no fee and receive information on diet, control and other subjects. Your information is not shared with a third party or placed on a listserv. The privacy policy is easy to understand and find. Empirical Evidence â€Å"This website serves to provide the consumer, as well as the healthcare professional, with information about diabetes, its history, development, treatment and impact on the lives of the diabetic patient. The website homepage makes information available in both English and Spani sh.It is designed to give quick information to the viewer about the latest research and news summaries, a tip of the day, a recipe of the day, personal health risks for diabetes and a link to get local information about diabetes through your zip code. † (Overman, 2006) In this website the section for professionals gives you access to their search engine for any articles in the five main diabetic journals. You also have the option for professional resources which include information for professional education, patient educational information to use and diabetes animation clips to use in presentations.The option for continuing education is provided by both live and online programs through many various links. As a nurse or health care professional you are giving and teaching patients how to manage their disease. You are liable for the information you give that in making sure it is accurate and appropriate. The first decision point in recommending a website is to determine the goa l the website resource will address. For example, a dietitian might refer a patient to a specific recipe website that offers tips and recipes to help the patient become more comfortable preparing low-fat meals.Other specific reasons for referring a patient to a website might be to help the patient 1) learn more about a specific aspect of diabetes; 2) obtain recipes that meet taste preferences, the food budget, and health needs; 3) track activity levels; or 4) receive daily tips on being more successful meeting personal goals. (Evert et al, 2008) Conclusion In conclusion the website www. diabetes. org is a credible health-related website and a source of information for both consumers and professionals.It’s a wealth of knowledge and resources for the consumers in an easy to understand layout and language. For professionals it is a one stop area for up to date information, studies and articles regarding diabetes and related care. References Overman VP; Website Review: American D iabetes Association. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2006 Feb; 4 (1): 55 (journal article – website) ISSN: 1601-5029 Evert, A. , March, S. , Powers, M. ; Use of Internet Technology to Support Nutrition and Diabetes Self-Management Care. Diabetes Spectrum, 2008 April; 21 (2) 91-99

Differences Of Pilgrims In The Canterbury Tales By...

Pilgrims are journeys to a sacred lands for religious purposes. In some religious pilgrims, religious seekers take time to reach the sacred place for religious reasons such as being reincarnation, and being forgiven. The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a book of individual tales called pilgrims. Geoffrey Chaucer’s book is about a group of people who take a pilgrim to Canterbury, which is located in England. The group starts their journey at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, England. In the beginning he starts off by acknowledging who is traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. He gives descriptions of each character. With his words he describes the personality of the characters. Geoffrey Chaucer†¦show more content†¦On his face, his nostrils were described â€Å"as black, as they are wide† (Chaucer 559). Giant nostrils and a wart on his face is not pleasing to the eyes. With similes Chaucer, the color red adds more depth to the Miller’s appearance. His red beard is â€Å"like any sow or fox† (Chaucer 554). The fur of a fox is a shade of red, and the color red symbolizes lust. The colors displayed in his appearance, create images on his personality. The personality of the Miller is described as vulgar and corrupt. The color of his hair symbolizes the lust and trickery in his personality. In the description of the Miller, Chaucer describes the types of jokes the Miller would often tell. As a jester, the Miller would often tell jokes related â€Å"...[about] sin and ribaldries† (Chaucer 563). With his red hair similar to the color of fox’s fur, the red foxes symbolizes trickery. Both a fox and the Miller have the natural talent of trickery. He plays tricks on his customers by earning money from â€Å"...[stealing] corn and full thrice [charging] his fees† (Chaucer 564). Through his occupation he has total control over the cost of grain. During Chaucers time, it is hard to set change in social statuses and behavior. Breaking medieval stereotypes, the Miller, a lower class man gains more income easily than an upper class man. Also, the Miller has no reasoning of what is socially acceptable to say. His jokes would offend those who meet withShow MoreRelatedThe Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer1585 Words   |  7 Pageswas published toward the end of his life, Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales was his longest and most popular work. The plot is made up of tales told by thirty-one different pilgrims as they embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. His initial idea was to have each pilgrim tell four stories a piece during the pilgrimage, but Chaucer either died before finishing or decided to change this idea, as only twenty-four tales presently make up the work. The prologue ofRead MoreThe Life and Success of Geoffrey Chaucer Essay893 Words   |  4 Pages Geoffrey Chaucer was a man with an interesting life to say the least. From imprisonment and royal service to being renowned as one of the greatest poets and writers of the 1300s. Chaucers life had many mysteries to it as well such as what intrigued him to write The Canterbury Tale s, one of his most famous works. Geoffrey Chaucers year of birth is a bit of a mystery for no one knows for sure which year he was born. What is known is he was born around 1340 – 1345. He was believed to be theRead MoreGeoffrey Chaucers Experiences In the Canterbury Tales Essay1130 Words   |  5 PagesIn the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer describes the journeys and life lessons of thirty fictitious pilgrims. Scholars explain that only one of the thirty pilgrims was indeed Chaucer, but other characters in the Canterbury Tales represent the struggles of Chaucer as well. Although the pilgrims’ tales were pretend, they were based on actual events that Chaucer experienced throughout his lifetime. He represents his own insecurities and flaws throughout the array of the characters’ tales. SituationRead MoreChaucer s The Canterbury Tales1064 Words   |  5 PagesGeoffrey Chaucer, The Author of the Canterbury Tales, is known as the Father of English Literature and is one of the greatest Engl ish Poets of the Middle Ages. Chaucer was a soldier, a diplomat, a civil servant, and a courtier, enabling him to experience different aspects of each social ranking, which he demonstrated through his poetry. The Canterbury Tales, his most famous work, is a collection of short stories within a frame story, making for an interesting and memorable narrative about 29 pilgrimsRead MoreWomen In Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales1288 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Geoffrey Chaucer’s â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† is a collection of stories written between 1387 and 1400 about a group of thirty people who travel as pilgrims to Canterbury (England) and on their way, they tell stories to each other about their lives and experiences. The stories constitute a critique of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church, while women seem to be presented in a different way than they are in other contemporary works. The aim of this essay is to presentRead MoreMarriage In Chaucers The Canterbury Tales1709 Words   |  7 PagesIn Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, a group of traveling pilgrims on their way from London to Canterbury pass the time by telling each other stories and tales. A handful of the tales are on the topic of marriage, most notably The Miller’s Tale, The Wife of Bath’s Tale and The Merchant’s Tale. The Miller talks about his wife and marriage poorly in his prologue and his tale is just as cynical. The Wife of Bath reveals in her prologue that she has had five husbands, something that was frownedRead MoreCriticism of the Church in the Canterbury Tales1576 Words   |  7 PagesThe Canterbury Tales, a collection of tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, was written in Middle English at the end of the 14th century (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2011). It is considered to be the best work of literature in English in the Middle Ages (Johnston, 1998). Chaucer uses l iterary devices as no one had ever done. In addition, he chose to use English instead of Latin. This masterpiece is structured in a similar way as Bocaccios Decameron. The tales are organized within a frame narrative (EncyclopaediaRead MoreAnalysis Of The Knight And His Tale2835 Words   |  12 PagesAnalysis of the Knight and His Tale in The Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales, a poem consisting of several tales told by various pilgrims, is perhaps the most well known work of Geoffrey Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales Chaucer introduces the pilgrims in the general prologue many of the pilgrims in a satirical manner. In prologue to The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer introduces the Knight as â€Å"a true perfect gentle-knight,† (5) who exemplifies the code of chivalry. The tale that the Knight later narratesRead MoreAuthority And The Canterbury Tales1825 Words   |  8 PagesAuthority and The Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer, widely known for his influence in medieval literature, expresses a fourteenth century literacy concept of authority and gentility in The Canterbury Tales. There are two forms of authority and gentility that will be covered in this discussion: authority and gentility in Chaucer’s personal life and the one in his two tales, â€Å"The Wife of Bath’s Tale†, and â€Å"The Clerk’s Tale†. Chaucer himself loses a sense of authority over his writing after his deathRead MoreThe Pardoners Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer Essay1114 Words   |  5 Pagesway of life†. The Pardoner’s tale, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, underlined the main theme â€Å"radix malorum est cupiditas†, or that greed is the root of all evil. The Pardoner’s tale is an eccentric tale about three brothers, who succumb to the temptations of greed. In The Pardoner’s tale he referenced that the characters, or rioutours who exhibited these sins were m en, because it would be unrealistic in that era to see women behave in that context. â€Å"The Pardoner’s Tale is rife with allusion to the