Directions:
Read the following introduction to the May 1999 issue of MIT’s Technology Review, in which editor John Benditt defines the concept “humachine.”
https://www.technologyreview.com/1999/05/01/275799/humachines/
Then, carefully read the articles found in the links posted below and think about the ideas presented. You might want to make some notes of your own thoughts about these ideas as you read.
Artificial and 3D-Printed Skin Advances for Robots, Humans (ARTICLE ATTACHED)
Artificial Organs- Innovating to Replace Donors and Dialysis (ARTICLE ATTACHED)
Now, consider what the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has to say about being human:
“Part of what it means to be human is how we became human. Over a long period of time, as early humans adapted to a changing world, they evolved certain characteristics that help define our species today.”
Draft an argument essay in response to the prompt below, making sure to include all the elements of a classical argument in your writing.
What effect, if any, do science and technology have on the meaning of being “human?” Before crafting your argument about the relationship between science, technology, and being human, make sure you define what it means to be “human” and provide examples of human characteristics.
Make sure you include some paraphrased ideas and a quotation or two from the articles as well as your own ideas and logic in your essay. USE ONLY THE SOURCES INCLUDED OR LINKED TO THIS PAGE. DO NOT CONDUCT OR INCLUDE ANY ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE RESEARCH. Use your knowledge of paraphrasing, quoting, and in-text citation AND include a Works Cited page. All information needed for the citation and Works Cited page is included with the article.
Your response will be evaluated based on the overall logic and structure of your argument; the appropriateness of your vocabulary, grammar/usage, and mechanics, and the accuracy of your in-text citation and works cited page.
To begin, consult the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for additional information about their definition of “being human,” but you are not required to do that. The link to their web page on “Human Characteristics” can be found here:
https://humanorigins.si.edu/human-characteristics
