I thought the articles examining how technology is now able to create artificial limbs that function via a person's thoughts were really interesting. There is not much doubt in my mind that using design and technology to help people gain more mobility is a positive thing. However, I'm not sure if we can design our way out of all of our health challenges. It seems that every month, there is some major drug that was initially presented as a miracle drug for a certain condition, that after further study and use, resulted in terrible side effects and get pulled off the market. Some new technologies do concern me and we see everyday the health impacts of, for example, prolonged use of computers and smart phones resulting in carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, etc. At the same time, I think about how there were similar fears and doubts that accompanied "new" technologies such as the printing press, the television, etc, and how much new technologies have improved access to eduction for large segments of the population.
I also found the article on mediation appropriate for the class, but as a whole, I wish that meditation in the U.S. and Europe, especially amongst new practitioners, could eventually become less focused on benefits to individuals, and travel more towards meditation as taught within the Buddhist framework, which is geared very much towards using meditation as a basis for taking action and creating social change.
I was so glad that you spoke up during class about meditation.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the same page that advancing technology can provide a lot more opportunities for us but can also directly and indirectly harm us. As you say, new technologies have always been met with resistance but I think it's impossible to stop the steam roller of innovation. It feels like you either need to jump on the bandwagon or get squashed!
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