English for CLAT: Practice Passage #15

english for clat

(Time : 5-7 minutes)

In the fast-paced landscape of technological advancements, society is witnessing an unprecedented era of innovation. Emerging technologies, ranging from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering, hold immense promise for addressing complex challenges and enhancing human capabilities. However, along with the potential benefits, there comes a pressing need to critically examine the ethical implications of these advancements.

One of the key ethical considerations revolves around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, there is a risk of biases being embedded in algorithms, leading to discriminatory outcomes. Whether it’s in hiring processes, criminal justice systems, or financial transactions, the ethical use of AI demands transparency, accountability, and constant scrutiny to prevent reinforcing societal prejudices.

Genetic engineering, another frontier of technological progress, raises ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of the human genome. While this field holds promises for eradicating genetic diseases and enhancing human capabilities, it also opens the door to questions about the potential misuse of this power. Issues of consent, privacy, and the creation of designer babies pose intricate ethical dilemmas that society must grapple with as technology advances.

Furthermore, the advent of powerful biotechnologies like CRISPR-Cas9 allows for precise gene editing. This brings both hope for treating genetic disorders and ethical concerns about unintended consequences and the potential for altering the course of human evolution. Striking a balance between scientific progress and ethical boundaries becomes crucial in navigating the uncharted territories of genetic engineering.

In the realm of privacy, the proliferation of surveillance technologies and data collection mechanisms prompts ethical deliberations. The ubiquitous presence of surveillance cameras, coupled with the relentless tracking of online activities, raises questions about the right to privacy in the digital age. Striking a balance between security measures and individual privacy rights is a delicate ethical challenge that policymakers and technologists must confront.

The ethical implications of emerging technologies extend to the realm of environmental sustainability. While innovations in renewable energy and eco-friendly practices offer solutions to climate change, the environmental cost of manufacturing and disposing of electronic devices cannot be ignored. Ensuring that technological progress aligns with ecological sustainability becomes an ethical imperative for a responsible future.

Moreover, the increasing integration of technology into everyday life poses ethical questions about the digital divide. Access to information and technological resources is not uniform globally, leading to disparities in education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion. Bridging this digital divide ethically requires concerted efforts to ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic factors.

In conclusion, as society hurtles forward into the age of unprecedented technological innovation, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of decision-making. Navigating the ethical landscape of emerging technologies demands a collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and a thorough understanding of the potential impact on individuals, communities, and the global society at large. Balancing innovation with ethical responsibility is the key to harnessing the transformative power of technology for the greater good.

  1. What ethical considerations arise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) according to the passage?
    1. A) The financial implications of AI
    1. B) The potential biases embedded in AI algorithms
    1. C) The necessity of constant surveillance in AI systems
    1. D) The ethical concerns related to AI transparency
  2. In the context of genetic engineering, what ethical dilemmas are mentioned in the passage?
    1. A) The need for increased genetic manipulation
    1. B) The potential misuse of genetic power
    1. C) The ethical implications of genetic diseases
    1. D) The benefits of creating designer babies
  3. What environmental ethical challenge does the passage highlight in relation to emerging technologies?
    1. A) The need for stricter surveillance measures
    1. B) The ethical concerns of genetic editing
    1. C) The environmental cost of manufacturing electronic devices
    1. D) The potential misuse of renewable energy sources
  4. According to the passage, what is a delicate ethical challenge related to privacy and technology?
    1. A) The ethical implications of surveillance technologies
    1. B) The right to manipulate genetic codes
    1. C) The potential biases in hiring processes
    1. D) The impact of digital integration on education
  5. Choose the correct statement regarding the ethical considerations in the use of CRISPR-Cas9:
    1. A) CRISPR-Cas9 does not pose any ethical dilemmas.
    1. B) Ethical concerns only revolve around unintended consequences.
    1. C) The passage does not discuss ethical implications of CRISPR-Cas9.
    1. D) There are ethical concerns about unintended consequences and the potential for altering human evolution.
  6. Which term is used in the passage to describe the integration of technology into everyday life?
    1. A) Ubiquitous
    1. B) Delicate
    1. C) Invasive
    1. D) Inherent

Answers

1. Answer: B) The potential biases embedded in AI algorithms

   – Explanation: The passage discusses the ethical concern of biases being embedded in AI algorithms, leading to discriminatory outcomes in various systems.

2. Answer: B) The potential misuse of genetic power

   – Explanation: The passage highlights ethical dilemmas related to genetic engineering, specifically mentioning concerns about the potential misuse of the power to manipulate the human genome.

3. Answer: C) The environmental cost of manufacturing electronic devices

   – Explanation: The passage discusses the environmental challenge related to the manufacturing and disposal of electronic devices in the context of technological advancements.

4. Answer: A) The ethical implications of surveillance technologies

   – Explanation: The passage addresses the ethical challenges associated with surveillance technologies and the collection of personal data, emphasizing the delicate balance between security and privacy.

5. Answer: D) There are ethical concerns about unintended consequences and the potential for altering human evolution.

   – Explanation: The passage mentions ethical concerns regarding CRISPR-Cas9, specifically highlighting the risks of unintended consequences and potential alterations to human evolution.

6. Answer: A) Ubiquitous

   – Explanation: The passage uses the term “ubiquitous” to describe the pervasive integration of technology into everyday life, emphasizing its omnipresence.

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