Technology In Our Lives Essay Research Paper

Technology In Our Lives Essay, Research Paper

Technology nowadays constantly seems to seep its way into our daily

routines. Everything we do is somehow connected with technology,

whether it be working on a paper in the computer lab, taking the H bus

to class, or even eating dinner at Brower Commons.. Without technology,

life would be more difficult than it already is, knowledge would be

limited and more difficult to achieve. The task of technology is to

create a better, and easier living for ourselves and for the world;

it’s intentions are only positive, unless looked on in the subject

matter of destruction, warfare or terrorism. Biotechnology goes down

deeper than the computer chips and electronic devices that people think

about when discussing technology. Biotechnology deals with the

concoction of technology and life, which brings up various moral issues,

yet at the same time acts positively for our world. It has been

practiced by human society since the beginning of recorded history in

such activities as baking bread, brewing alcoholic beverages, or

breeding food crops or domestic animals. Biotechnology in the case of

Monsanto is a step forward in the field of technology, and a step

forward for us. Without technology, our nation would not be where it is

today, and I hope we continue to push technology to its outer limits, if

that is, those outer limits do actually exist. Like most technological

advancements and breakthroughs, problems arise depending on the

willingness and readiness of us humans to accept the new form of

technology.

Biotechnology can be broadly defined as: using living organisms or

their products for commercial use. The company Monsanto, specializes in

biotechnology both in the pharmaceutical and agricultural fields. The

article “Playing God in the Garden”, written by Michael Pollan discusses

the topic of biotechnology in the field of agriculture, and touches

greatly upon the New Leaf Superior, one of Monsanto’s agricultural

products which focuses on potato farmers. This New Leaf Superior

product is basically a super-form of a potato. This super potato was

genetically engineered by scientists in Monsanto’s St. Louis research

lab to automatically repel any Colorado Potato Beetle – a potato farmers

worst enemy. The intent of this New Leaf Superior is to assist farmers

in farming potatoes, and as Monsanto states on its website

(http://www.biotechknowledge.com/primer/newleaf.html), it is clearly

having an effect on farming. “[The New Leaf Superior] is more effective

against potato leaf roll virus than any insecticide program, and it also

prevents rotting and internal defects. As a result, it reduces

insecticide use by over 80 percent, increases processor throughput,

reduces inputs, protects yields and improves quality.”

I asked myself : “Why does Monsanto only allow farmers to grow one

generation if they are trying to help them out.” The answer took some

thought but I came to a conclusion after Pollan explained the “software

metaphor”. Monsanto acts like a computer software company, only that

the company does not revolve around a computer like a software company

does. The company revolves around life. This company releases

“software” which assists us in completing tasks, gaining knowledge, and

succeeding. Like all computer software companies, Monsanto includes a

“CD key”, so that reproduction and piracy would not be possible. This

“CD key” is a gene added to the plant by Monsanto’s scientists for

identification purpose. After all, Monsanto did discover the New Leaf

Superior, which obviously took a lot of research and development.

Those against technology and it’s advancement are most likely opposed

to biotechnology as well. Included in the Unabomber’s manifesto is his

stressed position on technology and biotechnology. “Search the

Unabomber Manifesto and you find the word ‘computer’ frequently used in

conjunction with ‘control’ and ‘technology.’ The serial bomber blames

technology, especially computers, for a vast variety of social ills: the

invasion of privacy, genetic engineering, and ‘environmental degradation

through excessive economic growth’” (Heim 27). It is clear to say that

the Unabomber would most likely be against the New Leaf Superior because

of the fact that it is genetically engineered. Yes obviously, the New

Leaf is genetically engineered, rendering it artificial, but there is no

real proven problem posed here. All of the problems with the New Leaf

come from theories and ideas, which were never proven to be true.

Pollan explains a telephone conversation with Andrew Kimbrell, the

director of the Center for Technology Assessment, explaining a fear that

the Unabomber most likely shares:

“‘Biological pollution will be the environmental nightmare of the 21st

century, ‘ he said when I reached him by phone. ‘This is not like

chemical po

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