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Science and technology raise profound ethical questions — a key theme at Terminale level. Biotechnology : genetic engineering, GMOs, cloning, CRISPR gene editing. Benefits : disease eradication, crop yields, personalised medicine. Risks : 'playing God', unforeseen consequences, access inequality, bioweapons. Artificial intelligence (AI) : machine learning, automation, facial recognition, autonomous vehicles. Ethical issues : algorithmic bias, job replacement, surveillance, accountability, autonomous weapons. Space exploration : SpaceX, Mars missions — inspiring or wasteful of resources? Medical ethics : right to life, euthanasia, organ donation, clinical trials in developing countries. Digital ethics : privacy (GDPR), data ownership, cybercrime, fake news, digital addiction. The Precautionary Principle : when an action raises threats of harm, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established. Key vocabulary : ethics, autonomous, algorithm, surveillance, bioethics, GMO, data privacy, automation, innovation.
Exercise 1 : Answer fully.
1. What are the main ethical concerns about genetic engineering?
2. Explain the concept of algorithmic bias with an example.
3. Should governments regulate social media platforms? Give your opinion.
Exercise 2 : Write a balanced essay (250 words):
'Artificial intelligence: a threat or an opportunity for humanity?'
What is algorithmic bias and why is it a problem?
Correction
Algorithmic bias occurs when an AI system produces systematically unfair outcomes for certain groups because it was trained on biased data. Example: facial recognition systems trained predominantly on lighter-skinned faces perform poorly on darker-skinned faces, leading to wrongful identifications. In hiring algorithms, historical data reflecting past discrimination can perpetuate inequality. This is a critical ethical problem as AI increasingly influences decisions about people's lives.
What is CRISPR and what ethical debates does it raise?
Correction
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA. Potential benefits: curing genetic diseases, eliminating hereditary conditions. Ethical concerns: designer babies (choosing traits like height/intelligence), irreversible changes passed to future generations, social inequality (only the rich can afford it), unforeseen ecological consequences if modified organisms are released.
How does the Precautionary Principle apply to new technologies?
Correction
The Precautionary Principle states that when a technology poses potential risks — even if not fully proven — protective action should be taken rather than waiting for certainty. Applied to AI: regulate before harms become widespread. Applied to GMOs: restrict until long-term effects are understood. Critics argue it can block beneficial innovation; supporters say caution prevents irreversible damage.