Category: Technology

Is Health Care A Human Right?

Health care is something that every person has experience with. Is that enough to make it a fundamental human right?

At various times throughout our lives, we need medical attention. That might come from a broken bone, a common illness, or even something more serious. It might mean visiting a doctor, or perhaps even a stay in the hospital.

In fact, this even predates hospitals. Tens of thousands of years ago, most if not all tribes of hunter gatherers, or early agricultural societies, probably had a shaman or medicine man. These people would fix broken legs, suggest herbs to numb pain or promote healing, and the like.

This universality in the need for medical attention might suggest a human right. Everyone will need some form of health care, regularly and throughout their entire lives. What could be more basic? Besides maybe air to breathe and water to drink?

And yet, that health care is provided by other humans. Doctors, nurses, porters, hospital administrators, technicians, and on and on. It requires drugs that are expensive to develop and produce, and ever-advancing equipment that can do remarkable things.

What happens if someone cannot pay for these goods and services? Should they be denied treatment that may extend their life? Or should they be treated, with the (potentially large) costs being passed on to the rest of us? Or perhaps the medical community should be required to provide these services at reduced or no cost?

Is health care a human right? If so, how do we pay for someone who cannot, themselves, provide payment? If not, how can we justify pain, suffering, and early or unnecessary death for the sake of money?

Related questions: What does it mean to be healthy? How do you stay healthy? What is the sickest you have ever been? Do animals have rights?

What Role Do Algorithms Play In Your Life?

As computers, and the software they run, grow ever more sophisticated and commonplace, more and more of our lives are impacted by them. What are some examples of the way algorithms influence you?

In the online world, it is fairly easy to see the effect that algorithms have. All the major websites have sophisticated computer programs to determine which videos, status updates, ads, or products to display to you based on your browsing history.

This can have an upside. For example, based on music that you have listened to and liked, a music streaming service might recommend a similar artist. If you are unfamiliar with them, you might discover some cool new music!

Unfortunately, there are also downsides. Viewing ever more extreme videos — as recommended by an algorithm — individuals are more likely to become radicalized and potentially dangerous.

Many social media companies program their software to maximize engagement. A computer program will learn quickly that the best way to achieve this goal is through promoting fear and anger. As a result, users are increasingly suspicious and isolationist, even if that was not the initial intent.

However, as artificial intelligence grows in ability and usefulness, it is being deployed and used more regularly in non-online settings as well. For instance, a bank might use a computer to determine if a customer is likely to default on a loan. Sports teams can use facial recognition software to deny entry to unruly fans. Rather than have faculty or staff sift through college applications, a computer can do it more thoroughly and without requiring breaks.

Can you think of ways that an algorithm is making decisions about your life, either online or off? Ultimately, do you think it is a good thing or bad?

Related questions: How accurate is your algorithm? What do you think about artificial intelligence? Will technology save us?

What’s Your Favorite Photo?

Now that everyone carries a camera with them at all times, there are more pictures being taken now than ever before. The internet also allows the sharing of pictures taken by others. Do you have a favorite photo?

Share why if you wish.

Paved Or Unpaved?

Pavement makes many good things possible. It aids transportation of all kinds, personal and professional. Too much pavement, though, is definitely depressing. Which do you prefer, paved or unpaved?

Share why if you wish.

Paved Or Unpaved?
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What Is The Value Of Boredom?

Most of us will go to great lengths to avoid boredom for even a moment. But is there a benefit to being bored?

Let’s face it, it is no fun to be bored. In our culture that is so focused on being productive, having down time when you are not doing anything can seem like a colossal waste of time.

Technology to the rescue! With our smartphones, while waiting in line, for example, you can check your email, or scroll through your social media feed. Of course, you don’t have to be technologically savvy to avoid boredom. You can just as easily carry a book with you wherever you go.

While smartphones don’t have a monopoly on avoiding boredom, they make it very easy. The entire internet is available with the touch of a button. That’s never been true in human history before, and it shouldn’t be ignored. If we don’t want to be alone with our own thoughts, we don’t have to be.

However, is there actually an upside to boredom? Even though it feels unproductive and almost painful at times, could there be a benefit in being alone with your own thoughts?

It certainly seems possible. Many people find value in meditation, to improve mental health among other benefits. For some, meditation is actively doing nothing. No phone, no speaking. No activity, other than breathing. The goal is to be comfortable with doing nothing.

In addition, creativity is enhanced through boredom. Mothers everywhere know that children, when bored, find creative ways to entertain themselves.

What other positives might there be to being bored? Should we actively seek out boredom, at least once and awhile?

Related questions: When is it useful to fail? What is the value of inefficiency? Are we too busy? What do you think about when out for a walk?