There are various themes that run through the two stories this week by Chiang and Ellison. Respond to one of the following questions to create three paragraphs of a coherent, cogent, clear, and unified blog post that sheds some light on the two readings. Don’t pick more than one question.
- What kinds of relationships are likely to develop between artificial intelligence and humans? These two stories show two very, very different scenarios. Discuss these relationships in each of the stories and draw some speculation of how you imagine such relationships might develop in the future. Make sure to give strong and clear reasons as to why you think so.
- Who are the marginalized and disenfranchised groups in each of the stories and how are each treated by the powers that be?
- Compare and contrast the digients in Chiang’s story to Ted and the four other humans in Ellison’s. What strategies do the characters employ to resist or challenge the system in which they find themselves?
- Discuss the themes of themes of hope, resilience, and survival in each of the stories. What can be expected to happen to the digients and Ted after the story ends? Make sure to back up your thinking with reasons.
- What lessons or warnings can be gleaned from each of the stories and how do they relate to contemporary society? Make sure to use evidence from the readings and to back provide reasons for your thought process.
There’s no reading due on Tuesday for next class. We have the final exam due on Thursday, March 14th. I’ll be putting it to your dropbox on Thursday the 7th. Kimberly and Evytar will present on Tuesday and we’ll be firming up logistics concerning the submission of the midterm. You don’t want to miss that class.
