Issues and Ideas

Edwyna Ong 09A13

If there’s a war, why should we fight?

1. After reading the article from the Straits Times about whether someone should be prepared
to die in defence of Singapore, compose your own letter to the editor giving your answer to Dr
Balakrishnan’s son.

I am writing in response to the question posed by Dr Balakrishnan’s son: If there’s a war, why
should we fight?

Although Singapore has not fought a war for many years and has continued to maintain a
peaceful and stable climate, it does not eliminate the threat of invasion. By deeming national
service as compulsory for all Singaporean males, it serves the purpose of training them in
case of an outbreak of war. However, by imposing on them, would it then downplay the
willingness they feel towards protecting their homeland by seeing it as a mere act of
compliance?

With reference to the questions posed by Dr Wang in response (‘What’s wrong with our
society where a young boy like him should ask that question? Is there a failure in our
education system or is there a failure in our upbringing of the families?’), I feel that nothing is
wrong with the society, the education system or the upbringing of families. Instead, I feel that
war and violence would inevitably seem daunting to a boy of such young age, thus prompting
such a question. The prevalent violence we see today is a clear example of the horrors of
conflicts, and thus would prompt a young boy to question the purpose and effectiveness of
‘spil[ling] blood for Singapore’. In addition, by questioning such a necessity, it would provide
an opportunity for him to think through the true meaning and objective of the national service
and the role of defending one’s country. Hence, this will cultivate patriotism and loyalty that
comes from within, and not the result of the nation’s education system.

2. What is the meaning of Huntington’s statement about loyalty in paragraph 3?

He means that we would have to search within ourselves for the key factors that would secure
our loyalties. These factors would then be what we are convinced of and what we believe in,
instead of being influenced by superficial factors such as our geographical location and our
birthplace, which are less significant in creating that sense of loyalty within us.

3. Do you agree with Dr Wang that if such questions are being asked, the adequacy of the
education system needs to be questioned?

I disagree with Dr Wang as these questions do not reflect the inadequacy of the education
system but are asked out of curiosity and doubt. This could be due to the growing violence in
the world and the ever-increasing tension that ensues. By asking these questions, one can
also evaluate the effectiveness and purpose of engaging in such conflicts and violence. Also,
through assessing this need to build up a strong defence, it allows one to form a stronger
impression of Singapore, and strengthen the individual sense of loyalty to our homeland. This
is so as the conclusion is reached after a process of soul-searching and deep thinking, hence
entrenching one’s belief in whatever conclusion that has surfaced as a result.

4. Do you agree that each generation must reassess its sense of nationhood rather than
simply inheriting the beliefs of the previous generation?

I agree that each generation must reassess its sense of nationhood as if they take on the
beliefs of the previous generation, those beliefs would not come from within. In other words, in
their subconscious, it is just a set of guidelines to comply to and they are not truly convinced
and thus are not passionate in upholding this set of beliefs. By reassessing its sense of
nationhood, it allows them to think deeper into the meaning of those beliefs and understand
where they come from, hence committing them to the beliefs.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

5. What do you think the writer means by the distinction between true patriotism and rote
patriotism?

The writer means that by searching for an answer within in respect to patriotism, one would
act with self-conviction and hence be true to the feeling of patriotism, instead of being patriotic
out of necessity, or custom.

6. Do you agree that rote patriotism is imposed on our children via national education these
days?

I believe that national education has a part to play in imposing rote patriotism on our children.
While there is the annual national day parade and the national education lessons in school
curriculums, they only serve to show the younger generation what Singapore has been
through over the years and the efforts taken to build it to the strong prosperous nation of
today. It is also seen as propaganda to some extent and thus serves to merely push the
younger generation to develop patriotic feelings out of custom. Hence, it does not ignite the
flame of patriotism in the individual and hence is mere rote patriotism.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Define and Defend

1. Goh, who sometimes lectures on national education, makes a case for “rote patriotism”
achieved through national education. Do you accept his point as reasonable?

With reference to Goh’s case for “rote patriotism” achieved through national education, his
point is unreasonable. This is so as the explanation of patriotism as a blind, complete
devotion and commitment that in the context of war is limited to obeying instructions is
unacceptable. Patriotism is not mere loyalty, but an innate love as well. By insisting that
patriotism is limited to compliance and blind devotion, Goh is subverting the other most
important characteristic of patriotism – love.

2. To what is Goh referring when he mentions “The Call” and why does he capitalise it? Do
you agree that the Singaporean response should be asking “when” and never “why”?

Goh is referring to the orders from the higher authority, and by capitalising it, he appears to be
attributing a higher status to these ‘orders’. However, it can also be to mock the seemingly
important summons from the higher authority. In the context though, the former is more likely
to apply.

The Singaporean response should not be limited to asking “when” and not “why”. This is so
as by limiting the freedom for an individual to question, it essentially places the country under
a totalitarian rule. Also, the repressive nature of such limitation may incite resentment among
the people. By forcing a false sense of patriotism, it may cause an innate dislike for the
country instead. Hence, I disagree that such a limitation should be in place.

3. Goh says he would accept being called jingoist as a compliment. What is the meaning of
this word? Would you accept such a word as a compliment?

This word means an extreme patriot, especially in the form of aggressive of warlike foreign
policy. I would not accept such a word as a compliment as it implies an absolute nature, and
has a negative connotation to it.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Application Question: Patriotism

Referring to these articles, explain your own position as a young Singaporean in relation to
the patriotism debate.

The articles on Dr Balakrishnan and Dr Wang, as well as the responses by Teh Peijing and
Sunny Goh brought to light an important issue: Patriotism in Singapore. With reference to
these articles, I feel that patriotism comes from within and has to be cultivated in an individual.
The search for a sense of loyalty and love for the country is entirely up to the individual as
reasons to love one’s nation differs for everyone.

While there is an overarching consensus that patriotism means dying for Singapore when
necessary, the articles on Dr Balakrishnan and Dr Wang, as well we the response by Sunny
Goh fail to point out that patriotism is not merely loyalty, but in order to stay true to that
loyalty, there must first be love. In the article, Dr Wang asserted, ‘I have three sons. I’m
prepared to send my children, all sons, to fight for Singapore, to die if necessary’. Also, in
Sunny Goh’s response, he wrote, ‘Patriotism is like a soldier putting his life on the line. [He]
does not question his commander’s orders. His aim is to die for his country if he must’. Both
viewpoints imply that patriotism is used as a ambiguous reason to send young Singaporean
males to fight a war as pawns. Neither view points out a way to cultivate this sense of loyalty
and love in the younger generation; therefore it is only understandable for the younger
generation to question the purpose of dying for the nation.

Furthermore, due to the growing globalisation that is taking place, there is an influx of
influences from different places, and thus a deterioration of a strong national identity. Without
a strong national identity, the younger generation would then feel less of an attachment to the
country, and hence the innate love and loyalty that comes from patriotism would not have an
impact on them. Therefore, by allowing them to question patriotism as a notion would allow
them to consider reasons that would secure their love and loyalty for Singapore. This is also
corroborated by Dr Balakrishnan (‘It is important for each generation to ask itself the
fundamental questions of nationhood and transmit that to their children’) and Teh Peijing (‘We
must…give individuals the space to interpret patriotism on an individual basis, instead of
imposing a government-sanctioned interpretation of patriotism’).

In conclusion, the patriotism debate is only sparked off by a conflict of viewpoints, from the
more rigid views of patriotism as pure commitment and loyalty, in contrast to the cultivation of
an innate love for Singapore. Therefore, by allowing the younger generation to question the
effectiveness and purpose of nation-building, it allows them to further their understanding of
what patriotism is and enables patriotism to cultivate within them.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Thinking about Slavery

In no more that 120 of your own words, summarise what you have learnt about the social
status and rights of American slaves from reading the narratives on pages 7 and 8.

The American slaves were subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment and punishments.
By keeping them as slaves, it violates their right to liberty and security. They are deprived of
food and clothes and basic necessities, therefore demeaning them in terms of status. They do
have social security and freedom as they are abducted without consent and sold into slavery.
They do not have the right to free employment and are not given adequate rest. They are
treated as possessions and goods, and do not have any rights of their own, as they are
constantly abused for insignificant reasons. They occupy a lower status than everyone else
and do not have any authority, be it in their life or any decisions.

(Words: 120)

What makes it possible for slavery to exist in the modern world? Describe at least four
different contributory factors.

Slavery exists in the modern world as potential slaves are transported far from their homes as
they are lured by the promise of a better life. They are thus forced through violence, threats
and deception to work in conditions of slavery.

Children are taken forcibly from familiar surroundings and exploited by slavekeepers as they
are more vulnerable.

Furthermore, forced labour is often associated with government or paramilitary coercion. For
instance, women and children captured as war booty in Sudan, political prisoners and
minorities in Burma, prison camp slaves in China and exploited migrant workers in numerous
Western countries. Therefore, the various conflicts and tensions in world create opportunities
for these slaves to be exploited.

Marriage as slavery can be attributed to atonement for offences due to culture purposes as
girls are sacrificed to priests to atone for an offence committed by a family member, making
them domestic and sexual slaves.
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Edwyna Ong 09A13

Slaves in all but name

1. Explain the metaphor in the phrase “a tempting menu of global fare for the profit-hungry”
(paragraph 1). What is the effect of using such a metaphor to describe multinational
companies?

The image of a menu gives the impression of a list of items to pick and choose as one likes.
Also, the association to food is almost always instant, when menu is concerned. Hence, in
application to this context, it implies that the ‘Free Trade’ hits on the search engine appear to
be tantalising items to one who is hungry for them, hence describing them as ‘food’ for the
profit-hungry. The effect of using such a metaphor to describe multinational companies is that
it puts them into a negative light as they are thus seen to be greedy and therefore may not
have good intentions.

2. Why do countries like Nicaragua offer such favourable conditions to multinational

companies (paragraph 2)? Use you own words in your answer.

This is so as Nicaragua has a large proportion of the population which consist of people who
are without a job. In order to correct this problem, the legislation allows for multinational
operators to gain the most earnings and enables them to run businesses within the country
easily.

3. Why are Free Trade companies called “swallows” in Central America (paragraph 7)?

This is so as their interest in Central America is short-lived and limited to the more favourable
offers they have in that region. However, the threat remains that once Central America is
seen to have less favourable conditions than other regions, these Free Trade companies
would leave immediately.

4. What do you understand by the title “slaves in all but name”?

 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Application Question: Slaves in all but name

What improved model does Roddick outline for multinational companies working in
developing countries in paragraph 8? How realistic is this model? Refer to the two choices
proposed by Roddick in your answer as well as your own knowledge and experience.

Roddick proposed that multinational companies working in developing countries should strive
towards maintaining a long-term sustainable and harmonious relationship with its workers by
providing them with the best work conditions and wages. Also, in this way, they would be able
to contribute significantly to maintaining a strong economy. She also suggests that the
authorities in these developing countries should not advocate the outrageous exploitation of
its citizens but should encourage companies to increase the overall quality of life of the
citizens through better work conditions and pay.

In reality, the proposal that multinational companies provide more ideal work conditions and
wages to maintain a long-lasting relationship with its workers is not realistic. This is so as
such companies would have their priorities set on increasing their profits and revenue, hence
outsourcing to these locations with cheaper labour in the first place. Therefore, they are not
likely to compromise on their profits by making arrangements for better wages and work
conditions.

On the other hand, the suggestion that the authorities encouraging companies to increase the
overall quality of life of the citizens through better work conditions and pay may be feasible.
This is so as companies can enjoy the benefits of free trade in that region, and through
certain incentives given by the governments, they can afford to better the work conditions and
wages of their workers. This is feasible as it would not compromise their profits as much if
they were given compensation in terms of incentives and rewards. However, it is to be noted
that while this proposal is feasible, verbal encouragement by the government without any
benefits to the multinational companies would not bring about any change to the current
situation. Therefore, the government would have to engage in certain concessions such as
giving financial rewards in order to prompt them to increase the quality of life of their workers.
Hence, although this proposal is feasible, there is a certain condition attached in order for it to
work, rendering it unrealistic in some way as well.

In conclusion, Roddick’s proposal is largely unrealistic in the world today, and may only work
with certain conditions attached to it. It is highly unlikely that multinational companies will
compromise their profits to increase the quality of life of their workers due to the fact that they
outsource to the developing countries for cheaper labour in the first place so as to maximise
profits.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Looking at Style: Slaves in all but name

The article is written in the form of a personal account characterised by the predominant use
of the first person pronoun “I” as Roddick recounts her visit to Nicaragua. What is the effect of
using such an approach? Would the effect have been different had it been written in the form
of a report in an economic journal? Refer to at least two examples in the article in your
answer to illustrate your answer.

By using a personal approach, Roddick presents her argument in a form of a recount, making
the experience more vivid and relatable to the reader as well. In this form, the reader is thus
able to be more emotionally involved in the direct experiences of the writer and understand
her feelings as well, therefore the effect would not have been the same if it had been written
in a more formal and rigid academic form.

The portrayal of Nicaragua’s Las Mercedes Free Trade Zone by Roddick can be seen as a
very ‘real’ depiction, that reaches out to the reader as it is the personal experiences and
feelings of the writer. She describes the place as ‘hell’, with an amorphous mass of over
20,000 souls poured into its featureless, prefabricated factories’. The vivid description is thus
evocative and provokes the reader to sympathise with the desolate situation of the people in
this area. However, in an academic journal, such description would not be present, giving only
factual details that may not be effective in evoking such sympathy and similar feelings from
the reader to enhance the point that the writer is trying to bring across.

This is further enhanced by the following example: Roddick described the workers’ homes as
‘a place in cramped dirt-floored huts, made out of scavenged plastic waste, cardboard, wood
or breeze-blocks, and by a single light bulb, with no plumbed-in sanitation’. The deprived state
of such living conditions is clearly expressed in the depiction of the place in Roddick’s attempt
to convey her message across through a personal recount.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

The Future Brought To Book

1. Make a list of the ways in which Huxley’s novel has been “tellingly accurate” according to
the author.

 Ubiquity of sports
 Television in hotel and hospital rooms
 General ignorance of history
 Psychology and chemistry as important change agents
 Underpinnings of the reigning global corporate capitalism
 Aim to maximise happiness (any enlargement of knowledge or amplification of power): to
be achieved primarily through consumption and amassment of material possessions
 A life of no limits or denials; self-indulgence and pleasure-seeking
 Income inequality in the world
 Confinement of political, economic and cultural thought (defined by major media)

2. Orwell does predict the ubiquity of the television set, but what did he fail to anticipate about
its modern uses?

He failed to predict the mass influence of the television set in astounding populations,
advocating aggression, denouncing politics and the indoctrination of avarice.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Recreating Life in the image of Technology

1. [Paragraph 1] “…mathematise nature and you will master it.” Do you agree that science
has been primarily a means to control and manipulate the natural world?

I disagree that science has been primarily a means to control and manipulate the natural
world. Although it is true that science aims to discover and provide greater material good, to
better our lives and overcome the “deficiencies” of the natural world. Rather than control and
manipulate, science discovers and experiments in order to provide mankind with a variety of
options. For instance, the procreation of a child using artificial ways may be an option if a
single woman desires her own child. Taking this example from the plot of a movie ‘The
Backup Plan’, it clearly shows what technology and science can do for mankind.

2. [Paragraph 2] “I can see no evidence that frequent contact with nature is essential to
human well being.” Do you agree that mankind can be perfectly content in an artificial
environment?

I disagree that mankind can be perfectly content in an artificial environment. Although science
can provide mankind with artificial material goods that are better in comparison to that of the
natural world, the ‘natural’ is essential to one being human. The very aspect of being human
and ‘real’ doesn’t come from living in artificiality, but accepting the natural world and
connecting with it. Humans are natural beings for that matter, and while science has allowed
us to improve our lives, it should not take over our lives, therefore mankind cannot perfectly
content in an artificial environment, as they would cease to understand their natural selves.

3. [Paragraph 2] To what extent do you agree that science has in fact rescued us from
“’natural’ realities”?

The advantages of science are countless, and so are its disadvantages. While there is both
an upside and downside to this issue, I agree to a larger extent that science has in fact
rescued us from ‘natural realities. This is so as science has provided us with many convenient
ways of doing things, solving problems and et cetera. One example would be the genetically
modified food. Previously, natural problems have always caused the shortage of crops as
they are either attacked by pests, or cannot survive certain weather conditions. With
genetically modified food, science has allowed these foods to be resistant to external
conditions and thus produce better yields and crops for the larger population. While people
debate over the issue of science, there is no doubt that science has given us more solutions
and methods of prevention to unwanted and problematic issues, rescuing us from ‘natural’
realities.

4. [Paragraph 3] What does the writer mean by the comment that science “incarnates through
industrialisation and its technology”?

The writer means that science thrives and extends its influence through the processes of
industrialisation as well as technology, which is derived from it.

5. [Paragraph 3] How does technology influence our vision of the future?

Technology influences our vision of the future as it allows us to work towards greater goals in
light of what technology can achieve, such as curing diseases, eliminating poverty, take over
the solar system and preserving humans both physically and mentally in computers.
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Edwyna Ong 09A13

6. [Paragraph 4] Explain how machines and humans seem to be adapting to one another.

This is so as machines are taking on a more natural quality, almost as if they have a life of
their own. On the other hand, humans appear to resemble machines in that they are
becoming increasingly mechanical and recurring in their actions at the workplace.

7. [Paragraph 5] What has been the down side of the worship of science?

Through the worship of science, the environment has been neglected and now faces pressing
problems such as the depletion of the ozone and global warming. Therefore, mankind faces
the threat of the destruction of earth if such problems persist and take a turn for the worse.

8. [Paragraph 6] What dilemma does humanity now face?

Humanity faces a dilemma regarding its survival as it realises that it survives on science and
technology, which is the bane of its very existence on earth. This is due to the ecological
problems of science and technology that is threatening the planet at the moment.

9. [Paragraph 7] What solution does the writer see?

The writer suggests that the focus science and technology should be shifted to correcting
these environmental problems, thus alleviating the problems that would cause the end of
humanity.

10. [Paragraphs 8-10] What “breathtaking” new approach to the environmental crisis does the
writer see?

The writer sees an approach whereby, instead by technology conforming to the requirements
of living things, life can be modified to adapt to the evolving technology. This would then lead
to the development of biotechnology, which includes genetic engineering to modify the
resistance and compatibility of human beings to the growing changes brought about by
technology.

11. [Paragraph 11] What is meant by the phrase “Procrustean engineering of life”?

It indicates the uniformity or conformity without any regard to natural variation or individuality
that such genetic engineering adopts in its operations.

12. Bearing in mind the huge changes taking place in biotechnology, do you think there is any
possibility that “nature as we know it will cease to exist” [Paragraph 12]?

I think that, contrary to the article, nature would not cease to exist on its own. However, in lieu
of the huge changes that biotechnology would bring about, the natural world would then
cease to play an important role, being obscured by the looming threat of science and
technology. This is so as the artificial means of creating life as a result would be an antithesis
to the natural world, and the growing influence to adapt to technology as a solution to
humanity’s dilemma of survival with or without science and technology, and hence nature
would cease to exist as a result.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Discomfort and Joy

1. [Paragraph 1] The writer describes Bill Joy as a hybrid between Bill Gates and Theodore
Kaczynski. Explain what he means by this metaphor.

The writer uses people that are the epitome of specific charateristics or abilities to illustrate
his point, and through the metaphor of a ‘hybrid’, he tries to show the merging of a
technological expert and a violent terrorist to describe Bill Joy. In this way, the reader
understands that Bill Joy has both these characteristics through the association to the above-
mentioned people.

2. [From ‘Me Versus Them’] How does nanotechnology provide such a threat?

Nanotechnology allows for the self-replication of organisms or machines, which could be

disastrous as they as uncontrollable, hence providing such a dangerous threat.

3. [From ‘What To Do?] Why are governments unlikely to be effective in controlling the
emerging technologies?

Due to the way the political system operates, it is not in the authorities’ benefit to interfere by
controlling the emerging technologies. This is so as by controlling the emerging technologies,
it may threaten the economic interest of the administration, hence it is often overlooked even
though it may pose as a dangerous threat to many people.

4. [From ‘What To Do?’] Why does Joy think university academics have such an important
role to play?

This is so as university academics do not economic interests and can engage in an candid
discussion with regard to the problems posed by the emerging technologies. Also, they could
present such a discussion in a way that is comprehensible to people, allowing them to be
aware of such problems.

5. [From ‘International Council of Caution’] “…the process of technological change and

consequent risks need to be democratised.” Explain what Joy means by this.

Joy means that the revolution brought about by the emerging technologies and their
subsequent dangers and results should not be left to the decision of a select group of people,
but as it involves the larger community, it should be approved by the people whose lives
would be influenced by it.

6. [From ‘The Road Ahead’] What “sane alternative does Joy see to the present headlong
development of technology? Try to make three points.

Joy suggests that people should restrict their search for some kinds of knowledge, so as to
curb the emergence of such dangerous technology. Also, it is important to re-evaluate
fundamental, long-standing principles and thinking using common sense to prevent such a
headlong development of technology. He suggests that scientists should understand that
there is hardly a difference between pure and applied science, and that a scientific discovery
is bound to have certain consequences on society as a whole.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Baloney Detection

1. ‘Baloney’ is an American slang expression. What does it mean in this article?

While ‘Baloney’ means deceptive talk or nonsense, in this article, it means the various
unreliable claims that are made by scientists.

2. What is pseudoscience?

Pseudoscience refers to a fabricated and warped version of science, for it consists of untrue
claims that are manipulated to mislead people from reliable scientific facts.

3. Shermer suggests ten questions which should be asked in checking the validity of any
scientific claim. After reading his explanations, note down the main point that he is making in
each case.

I. (How reliable is the source of the claims?)

Claims made by pseudoscientists may seem reliable on the surface but when
scrutinised, are twisted, removed from its original context, and are intermittently
fabricated.

II. (Does this source often make similar claims?)

A claimant that consistently ignores or warps factual data in order to speculate wildly on
issues that do not have any relation to science may not be reliable and valid in his or her
claims.

III. (Have the claims been verified by another source?)

Pseudoscientific claims are characterised by their lack of verification and endorsement

by other scientists, and hence are not reliable by nature.

IV. (How does the claim fit with what we know about how the world works?)

Claims must be placed into a larger picture and should corroborate with other evidences
to prove that it is valid.

V. (Has anyone gone out of the way to disprove the claim, or has only supportive evidence
been sought?)

Scientific claims that only seek supporting evidences and deny disproving ones are
biased and are thus not valid as they may not be as accurate as they seem.

VI. (Does the preponderance of evidence point to the claimant’s conclusion or to a different
one?)

Claims that are based on trivial anomalies of a trend or unexplained occurrences do not
corroborate with the long-standing trends in history. As they are not supported by the
overwhelming evidences that are already in place, they are thus not valid.

VII. (Is the claimant employing the accepted rules of reason and tools of research, or have
these been abandoned in favour of others that lead to the desired conclusion?)

Claims that are founded upon dubious methods of research in order to insist upon a
certain hypothesis, in contrast to logically proving a hypothesis through systematic and
factual research, are not valid as they do not have strong evidences to back them up.
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VIII. (Is the claimant providing an explanation for the observed phenomena or merely
denying the existing explanation?)

Pseudoscientists often make claims to deny existing explanations merely because they
are not in tandem with their beliefs, hence refuting them and stating what they believe in
is the only correct explanation. This renders the claims invalid, as they are not based on
factual and logical deductions and proof but on an opinion that is imposed on others.

IX. (If the claimant proffers a new explanation, does it account for as many phenomena as
the old explanation did?)

The validity of a claim also lies in its ability to account for as many phenomena as the
previous explanation, or even more. This is so as a claim is not valid in context if it
refutes an explanation and in order to provide an alternative, the claimant ignores certain
phenomena that have direct links to the subject of the claim.

X. (Do the claimant’s personal beliefs and biases drive the conclusions, or vice versa?)

Beliefs and biases held by scientists can influence the conclusions, as they would be
inclined to interpret data as they see it, hence making those claims invalid.
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Edwyna Ong 09A13

Holy Grail or Pandora’s Box?

Title, Subtitle and Abstract

 The title tells us there is a contention or controversy with regards to the issue in question
 The subtitle tells the objective of the article – to evaluate Human Embryonic Research
 The abstract explains the dilemma posed by the title

Introduction

 Hypothetical scenario
 History of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Arguments for Human Embryonic Research: Uses of ES Research

Embryonic stem or germ cells can be used to develop:

 Treatment for neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

 Replacements for damaged tissues (eg. heart – for those who have suffered heart attacks
or congestive heart failures)
 Relief for certain conditions (eg. pancreatic islet cells – injected into pancreas of a diabetic
to manufacture insulin, reducing or eliminating the need for daily injections)
 Replacements for entire organs
 Human tissue banks for pharmaceutical and chemical testing purposes
 Tissues with specific characteristics to replace defective ones
 Genetically engineered embryos
 Treatments for injuries and diseases.

Arguments against Human Embryonic Research: Legal and Ethical Issues

 Destruction of human embryos and relatedly, human fetuses

 Transforming human beings into biological products to be exploited to benefit a minority
 Embryos and aborted fetuses would be sold for economic profit
 By treating human biological material as commodities, it would threaten the patient’s best
interests and compromise it for economic profit
 The use of drugs to produce more eggs, which can potentially endanger a woman’s life
 Subtle pressure to donate embryos for research instead of helping others to have a child
of their own as well
 Going against social philosophy by conceiving persons as parts, as well as seeing human
biological materials as commodities with cash value attached to them
 Medical advances would be grounded in a systematic practice that destroys human life
(and potential human life)
 Regenerative medical practice would be destroyed by internal conflict from within
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Edwyna Ong 09A13

Use the Body’s “Repair Kit”

The Ethical Position of Singapore on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

1. Do you agree with Reeve that “no obstacle should stand in the way of responsible
investigation of their [human embryonic stem cells] possibilities?

I agree with Reeve that ‘no obstacle should stand in the way of responsible investigation of
their [human embryonic stem cells] possibilities’ as the numerous advantages stem cell
research can bring about to mankind are beneficial due to their versatility to provide solutions
and relief to injuries, deficiencies and diseases. In a world where science and technology has
provided mankind with many discoveries that can potentially change lives, the emergence of
stem cell research has given hope to many people, by giving them a new lease of life. As they
have the ‘potential to cure diseases’, they can be seen as saving many lives in future, and
hence should be strongly encouraged.

In Reeve’s comment, he emphasized on the ‘responsible investigation’ of such a research,

and I believe it is most important as well. This is so as the implication of human lives and
biological matter are involved in this research and although it faces many legal and ethical
obstacles, responsible investigation can avoid the abuse of such research for immoral
activities and focus solely on the advantages and benefits that it could bring through
legitimate methods. Furthermore, the potential exploitation of such research by profit-hungry
companies could be eliminated by the undertaking and monitoring of such research by the
government, and at the same time reducing any obstacles it could have in its process.

2. Do you think Singapore’s laws about stem cell research are too liberal or lax?

I do not think Singapore’s laws about stem cell research are too liberal or lax as they are just
right to express support for stem cell research, but retain reservations due to present ethical
issues that surround it as well. It does not overtly give full support for the unrestricted process
of stem cell research, but encourages the research for the potential therapeutic benefits it can
bring about. In Singapore’s case, due to the pluralistic society that comprises of people of
different races, Singapore’s laws about stem cell research show that they are passed in an
attempt to accede to the principles of various religions in the morality and ethical issue of
such research while showing their support. As it does so without compromising either stand,
Singapore’s laws with regard to stem cell research is thus not overtly liberal or lax as they too
retain certain reservations in their support.

Furthermore, through the Summary of Recommendations, the various implementations put

into place to monitor such a research closely demonstrates the control over stem cell
research in Singapore, and thus the laws are not too liberal or lax. Singapore’s insistence to
control such a research prevents any abuse of human embryos and biological matter and the
triggering of a bioethics controversy as a result. The tight control then shows that while
Singapore supports the process of stem cell research, it is wary of any possible negative
consequences that may arise, therefore imposing laws that are not too liberal or lax to closely
monitor this research.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Inmates Used As Organ “Donors”

List the arguments for the sale of prisoners’ organs (from the Chinese perspective):

1. It reduces the number of problems in obtaining organs for transplant purposes

2. The organs are quickly available and the transplant can thus be taken place within a very
short period of time and with no hassle at all.
3. The organs are fresher and would thus be more readily accepted by the patient’s body
4. There is no system of voluntary organ donors in China and tradition demands that a body
should be buried intact
5. A lucrative market in human organs would create an incentive for the Chinese authorities
to find ways to increase the supply of organs, hence increasing the number of prisoners
who carry the death penalty.
6. Prisoners are not considered as humans once they are shot, hence by taking the organs,
it does not violate any ethical issues

List the arguments against the sale of prisoners’ organs

1. The lucrative market in human organs does not create any incentive for the authorities to
abolish capital punishment or to reduce the scope of its application
2. It violates human rights as the organs are taken without the prisoner’s or the prisoner’s
family’s consent
3. It sacrifices prisoners for ‘fresh’ organs for the members of higher authorities, thus
demonstrating the fact that prisoners facing the death sentence are shot to order
4. The disregard of the lives of prisoners violates basic human rights
5. The Chinese discredit the process of transplants through the sale of prisoners’ organs
even though doctors in other countries who perform transplants in an ethical manner try
very hard to persuade people to carry donor cards
6. It is unethical
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

What Does It Mean To Be Creative?

Introduction of Issue

Technique of introducing the issue:

 Posing of a question for the reader’s consideration (What distinguishes the creative
person?)

Points
To be creative, one must be able to

1. Think out of convention, beyond what everyone knows

2. Entertain and play with ideas that the average person may regard as silly, mistaken, or
dangerous
3. Engage in idle curiosity
4. Play hunches: through imponderable instincts and emotions, especially faith

Conclusion

Technique:
 Definition of creativity (Creativity is that act of bringing something new into the world,
whether a symphony, a novel, an improved layout for a supermarket, a new and
unexpected casserole dish. It is based first on communication with oneself, then testing
that communication with experience and the realities one has to contend with.)
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Chimp Of The Old Block

Introduction of Issue

Techniques of introducing the issue:

1. In journalistic terms, both the “strap” which specifies the topic (Human Genetics) and the
“deck summary” which is the text below the title, hint at the context of the article and the
issue.
2. Reference to a recent event – the release of the entire human genome sequence
3. Personal account of his interest in the issue which led the writer to purchase
Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov.

Issue: What unique characteristic do humans have as that separates them from other living
organisms and animals?

Points
1. Human behaviour can be explained by evolutionary pressures on genes
2. The emergence of man could have been precipitated by a unique interaction between
the product of genes – the body – and the Paleolithic environment in which they then
lived
3. The human mind evolved, coinciding with the development of the human consciousness
4. Consciousness, or self-awareness, allows for all unique human endeavours that are
impossible without conscious decision making, and is what makes us human
5. The unique characteristic is a result of the complex interaction between the human
genes and the environment
6. It may not lie in the human genes but the richness of the environment that makes each
human mind as the human genome will revolutionise the human understanding of its
biology

Conclusion

Technique: Return to the reference to Dostoevsky at the beginning of the article.

The writer’s concluding opinion: The unique characteristic of a human that separated it from
all other living organisms and animals still remains a mystery.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Journal Response: Chimp Of The Old Block

What is your opinion regarding the issue of what makes man human? To what extent do you
agree with the writer’s view?

I feel that the ability to appreciate and think logically makes man human. This is because the
ability to appreciate the aesthetic and think deeper into issues demonstrates the higher level
of cognitive ability a human possesses. This distinguishes a human from any other living
organism or animal instantly. I agree with the writer’s view to a large extent as I believe the
development of a human consciousness, or self-awareness, makes us human as well. This is
so as I believe that the human emotions, the awareness of these emotions and the ability to
express it in various ways demonstrate the evolution and complexity of the human mind and
cognitive abilities. The writer’s points are largely relevant and can be placed into context,
demonstrating the distinction between humans and other living organisms and animals, and
hence I agree with his view to a larger extent.
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

Cartoons

1. Cartoon depicting a man in a chariot that is led by humans in the stead of horses or trained
animals (page 5)

Point: The cartoon shows how humans have become slaves to the higher authorities and their
commands, so as to mock the insistence that patriotism is when the soldiers do not question
their commander’s orders.

By likening these soldiers to animals who submit to the higher authorities without any
protestations, it ridicules these people who are portrayed in the cartoon as patriotic, as seen
by the flags attached to the sides of their faces. Furthermore, the treatment of these people
as animals drives the point home as it goes to show that their commitment and loyalty is so
great that they are willing to become animals to demonstrate their patriotism for the country.

2. Comic strip depicting a conversation between a man and woman on the possible outcome
of the human genome project (page 20)

Point: The comic strip points out that while the human genome project can bring about novel
methods of changing the genetic structure of humans to adapt to the rapidly changing
technology through genetic engineering, such ‘perfect’ people may not be the best as well.

The conversation portrays both the positive and negative aspects of the human genome
project, and while the man appears to be enthusiastically promoting the advantages of it, the
woman refutes each advantage with a famous antithesis of a person in an attempt to show
that ‘imperfect’ people are well-known and have made immense changes in the world and in
several fields as well, such as the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh. Therefore, as the comic
strip ends with the man being silenced, it hints that the human genome project may not be
that beneficial to mankind and society after all.

3, Cartoon depicting a scientist assuring a young boy that machines would not ‘[go] mad and
[turn] on their masters’ (page 23)

Point: The cartoon shows that while scientists, and mankind at large, believes that machines
are invented to serve, they neglect that possibility that with the emerging nanotechnology,
these machines would be able to cause destruction and affect mankind adversely, to the
extent of its survival.

The machines in this cartoon are portrayed with the ability to think, and the thoughts convey a
rather disturbing idea – to destroy mankind. Through this cartoon, we are able to see the
dangers these machines, and thus technology, pose to mankind, despite man’s assurance
that they would not do any harm. It also conveys mankind’s ignorance to the growing harm
that the emerging technologies are bringing about, and thus enhancing the effect of a silent
threat posed by such technologies.

4. Cartoon depicting a man tripping over ‘Pandora’s box’ after discovering the human genetic
code (page 41)

Point: The cartoon shows the release of a torrent of negative consequences and ‘evils’ that
come hand in hand with the manipulation of the human genetic code, as shown by the use of
the simultaneous opening of ‘Pandora’s box’ and the discovery of the cracking of the human
genetic code

The use of a mythical object – the ‘Pandora’s box’ – symbolises a box that keeps all evil
within. The opening of such a box would then release all the evil and negativity into the world.
As the cartoon portrays a scientist who accidentally opens the box as soon as he ‘[cracks] the
 Issues and Ideas
Edwyna Ong 09A13

human genetic code’, it shows how with this research that involves human embryos, would
unleash a torrent of negative consequences and ‘evils’ into the world. The unwitting nature of
this release of ‘evils’ signifies the inadvertent unleashing of such negative consequences as a
result of overly enthusiastic scientists who are only focused on their research.

5. Cartoon depicting a boy selling his father’s organs on the Internet (page 43)

Point: The cartoon shows the ease of the sale of organs in exchange for a large sum of
money, hence pointing to the extent of such interest in economic profit in that organs can be
sold for money.

The casual way the boy told his father that he sold the latter’s ‘liver and kidney to a Russian
mafia boss’ enhances the humour in this cartoon, but also hints to a deeper and more
disturbing issue – that the sale of organs has become increasingly common, prevalent and as
a means to earn economic profit without the consideration of the ‘donor’. This points to the
problem as seen in China, whereby the economic interest of the government overwhelms any
incentive to abolish capital punishment, as it would mean a decrease in supply of organs
‘donated’ by the executed prisoners.