Discussion 1

Advances in technology have come with some positive effects on the quality of life but at what cost? These advances require access to huge amounts of resources such as rare minerals. This requires mining, mining requires trucks and machinery, the machinery requires fossil fuels to run and the cost in pollution, and the exploitation of the earth's resources is huge. The corporations selling you these products are also the ones that pay for the advertising, blaming consumers for polluting the earth.

Are the advertisements right or wrong? Are consumers more the blame for the state of the environment then the those selling us the advances we so desperately crave? Discuss your view: pro or con.

Discussion 2

Imagine that you work for a company in a small town in the Midwest where it is the dominant employer. You just found out that your company is considering moving its production facilities to a small town in the South where costs are lower. Many other businesses in the Midwest town, such as restaurants, banks, service stations, and grocery stores, will be negatively affected. Do you think the company has a social responsibility to take this into account with its relocation decision? Explain your reasoning.