1. To complete your sixth essay, please write a three- to five-page (900-1,500 word) response to the following question:

In "Preventing a Brave New World" (pp. 331-343), Leon Kass concludes that reproductive and therapeutic cloning of human embryos is unethical. What are the exact steps in Kass's argument for this conclusion? What is your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this argument?

Please ensure that your essay addresses each component of the question assigned question and that your answer is well- organized, uses excellent, college-level prose, and makes judicious use of textual evidence. 


2. In "Nine Challenges of Alternative Energy" (pp. 386-397), David Fridley argues that the growing cost of and demand for energy, along with the growing concerns of the global climate, leaves us facing, not just a need to explore alternative energy options, but also a myriad of ethical concerns. What are Fridley's core reasons for concern, and what solutions does he offer his readers? Do you find his solutions singly or collectively persuasive? If so, please explain exactly why. If not, please explain exactly why not.

Please ensure that your essay addresses each component of the assigned question you select and that your answer is well- organized, uses excellent, college-level prose, and makes judicious use of textual evidence. 


3. Our series of seven formal writing assignments is a developmental exercise designed to improve your analytical reading, writing, and thinking skills. To complete the assignment, you must write an essay answering a question about an assigned reading that we do not discuss in depth in our class discussion.

For your first essay, please write a two- to three-page (600-900 word) response to the following question:

In "I'd Hammer Out Freedom: Technology as Politics and Culture" (pp. 69-77), Richard Sclove argues that we should do more to acknowledge technology's 'polypotency.' What does this term mean, why does Sclove think that it is important to acknowledge this characteristic of technology? Do you agree with Sclove that technology has this characteristic? Why or why not? If you agree that technology is polypotent, do you agree with Sclove that it is important that we address this fact as we reflect on our relationships with technologies? Why or why not?

Please ensure that your essay addresses each component of the assigned question and that your answer is well-organized, uses excellent, college-level prose, and makes judicious use of textual evidence.

4. To complete your fifth essay, please write a three- to five-page (600-900 word) response to the following question:

In "Final Jeopardy" (pp. 234-242), Stephen Baker expresses an interesting look at the way technology, especially in terms of machines, could dramatically change the relationship between mankind and technology-not just helping us to locate information, but also to show us how to think about it. What are Baker's concerns about this evolution in technology, and what are his reasons (stated or implied) for optimism? As you consider the relative strengths and weaknesses of those reasons, explain whether and why you find yourself more pessimistic or more optimistic about our changing technologies as presented by Baker.

Please ensure that your essay addresses each component of the question assigned question and that your answer is well- organized, uses excellent, college-level prose, and makes judicious use of textual evidence.