Philosophy of Sci and Technology

Morton Winston's "Children of Invention, Revisited"

Our series of seven formal writing assignments is a developmental exercise designed to improve your analytical reading, writing, and thinking skills. For your first essay, please write a two- to three-page (600-900 word) response to the following questions:

In his final paragraph, Winston lays out an optimistic vision of how individuals in democratic societies can exercise their political rights in ways that help societies to make wise technological assessments and decisions. Your paper should address the first question listed below and--depending on your answer to that question--either the second or the third question:

1. Do you agree with Winston's optimistic political vision? Why or why not?
2. If you disagree with Winston, please explain exactly where Winston gets it wrong – for example, is his optimism naïve or does he fail to consider important issues?
3. If you agree with Winston, please discuss whether--and, if so, to what extent--this sort of constructive political deliberation already occurs in our society?

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