Power Imbalances.. who is responsible?

Ils doivent envisager qu’une grande responsabilité est la suite inséparable d’un grand pouvoir.

Having completed the draft of my Major Paper for this semester, I am now in the position to revise and most importantly address which areas of paper require work. The focus of my revision will be to ensure my paper effectively addresses the complex ethical themes of the two primary sources, while ensuring my own analysis acts as the overarching argument. The argument I hope to communicate is that power, when used incorrectly, may metamorphose into an intoxicant. It is the responsibility of those in “superior positions” to behave in ethical manners and uphold morality, otherwise they not only lose all justification to hold their position, but the system/equilibrium of society collapses. This responsibility is surely complicated with the recent developments we have made in technology and will only be challenged by ethical questions we can not ignore concerning these advances. In my paper I argue that a superior power exists in both Beggars in Spain and Nekropolis. While in Beggars in Spain, the Sleepless represent this superior power, it is household masters and those in command of the novel technologies who hold this superiority in Nekropolis. The relationship I am addressing certainly raises the question of who this higher authority could be, how that authority maintains it’s legitimacy in a national or international environment? Furthermore there is the issue that a minority population may in fact suffer as a result of these technological advances. These topics I discuss in my revised paper while aiming to make the claim that it is in fact the responsibility of the superior power, whoever this may be, in assuring the well function of their society. Furthermore, my next goal is to focus on integrating my primary and secondary sources in a more effective manner to ensure my secondary sources strengthen my original thesis.

Power and Ethics

To better develop the argument that would be reflected in my Major Paper, I explored a wide range of topics, from futurist technological advancement, artificial intelligence, bioethics, synthetic biology to political powers and responsibilities. After careful analysis of my sources, I have now narrowed down the focus of my Paper for this course. I wish to stress the relation between science and powers and responsibilities that are involved. In both “Beggars in Spain” and “Nekropolis” there is a “superior being”, who is responsible for controlling the technological advances as well as the wellbeing and fairness of the weaker. That this relation exists is natural. It is when disparity arises between these two that we see consequences. Numerous historical examples, one of which is the French Revolution exemplify how rapidly power may cease to be a stimulant and cause havoc. If the superior do not behave in ethical manners and uphold morality in their superior position, they not only lose all justification to hold their position, but the system collapses.

 

In Nekropolis, McHugh represents a future fundamentalist theocratic state in command of immense technology. Gernot Böhme’s “Invasive Technification” explores the challenges modern civilization is facing as a consequence of such recent advances. Utilizing this source, I will be able to address vital Human Rights issues and argue invasive technology may give way to marginalization of certain societies.

In, “Brazil, Thailand Override Big Pharma Patents.” Jon Cohen showcases the danger of suppressing those without power, as often such unethical act can trigger a revolution. Faced with overpowering patent rights, Brazil and Thailand saw themselves pressed to revolt to achieve fairness, just as Akhmim escapes his duty as a “Harni” to seek freedom.

Both of the above concepts are reflected in Cockcroft’s “Global Corruption”, which concludes in the need for a higher authority to establish fair play rules between the weak and powerful. The role of ethics and morals when considering power relations is undeniable and strongly present in both primary sources.

 

Science has never been conventional.

Science has never been conventional. In fact, the greatest scientific or technological break-throughs were made by breaking existing boundaries and questioning otherwise accepted knowledge. However, boundaries exist for a reason. Often, they are established to help a society uphold their ethical standings or moral values.

What happens when these scientific taboos are diminished? Techniques such as genetic engineering, cloning, embryo research or programming artificial intelligence may very easily become openly practiced and assimilated into modern day research. Do we have any consequences to fear? Who holds responsibility? Who profits form these discoveries? And is there a minor population that may suffer as a result?

I have always been interested in speculating the boundaries science and technology can push. In Beggars in Spain, Kress has created a future generation that no longer requires sleep. The Sleepless gradually outgrow their welcome among the Sleepers. Freud’s theory of the uncanny can provide us with insight as to why this transition takes place.

What I will try to explore in my major paper is how the “unheimlich” the unknown, yet familiar is oftentimes feared and how this aversion breeds prejudice. In this particular case, the “unheimlich” are the Sleepless and what the Sleepers perceive of this “new population” is merely an artifice of “perfection” or “betterment” that may not actually be the case.

In Beggars in Spain, Kress compels readers to question the philosophical belief that drives our position in society and to ponder whether this is a direct of indirect understanding. This is what I wish to explore in my Major Paper.