The following discussion posts below depict two different prompts. The top one represents my response to a prompt while the bottom one represents my response to one of my peers as well as abstracts for each of them.

Unit 1, Week 3: Fiction and Science Journalism

Abstract

Alpha talks about the human journey described in Margaret Atwood’s “Time capsule found on the dead planet” and how we have altered our species and our planet. Furthermore, Alpha goes on to explain human activities like mining and deforestation that has caused a loss of biodiversity and a rise of emerging diseases. She connects Atwood’s work to the current pandemic. I found much of what Alpha had to say about Atwood’s piece true because Atwood builds up this idea of humans being greedy and taking things from the environment. As a result, the environment we have destroyed has also caused a rise in diseases.

 

Unit 3, Week 1 – After the Human Epoch

Abstract

Toby Ord and the Animatrix share many similar yet different views on AI in the future. Toby Ord’s article “Superinteligent, Amoral, and Out of Control” talks about the productive and inspiring feats AI can accomplish while being cautious and pessimistic about what they will be able to accomplish in the future. Meanwhile, the Animatrix represents AI as a source of labor that will one day replace humans. While they both show two different pathways, both Ord and the Animatrix highlights the end of the Anthropocene and the shift of power from humans to AI. Both of them also express concern about the ethics of AI and remain cautious of an AI future. Nathanael builds upon the idea that AI still has work to be done and could one day develop its own mind and ability to learn.