Part III of team project: Social Context and Issues

Due April 24

The final section of your paper is a 10-page discussion of the social context of your topic and the social issues surrounding it.

Context: Describe the social groups and organizations that create, use, regulate, or oppose this science or technology.

Examples of social groups could include scientists, engineers, doctors, farmers, parents, consumers, athletes, hackers, civil rights advocates, etc.

Examples of organizations could include research labs, hospitals, insurance companies, corporations (both those that produce the technology and their competitors), government agencies (U.S. or foreign), athletic clubs, schools, churches, lobbying organizations, etc.

Issues: What kinds of debates have there been over this topic?

For topics such as the V-chip, genetically engineered food, sports supplements, laser eye surgery, prosthetic parts, or antitrust action against Microsoft: Do people argue over whether this idea is good or bad?

If everyone agrees that the topic is a problem (plane crashes, lack of Internet security, drug resistance): Do people argue about who is to blame and what is the best approach to fixing the problem?

For all topics: Are there differences of opinion as to who should control this technology? Are there debates over how much money should be spent on it (by governments, research sponsors, or consumers)?

On a separate sheet, briefly note what each team member contributed to this part of the project.