Synthesis Essay (compare and contrast)

Description

Compare and contrast ONE of the sets NOT both and do not mix!! Set A: Drum, Kevin.  “You Will Lose Your Job to a Robot.”  Mother Jones, Nov./Dec. 2017, pp. 39+.  Academic Search Complete. Accessed 3    Mar. 2018. & Kinder, Molly.  “Learning to Work with Robots.” Foreign Policy, 18 July 2018, https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/11/learning-to-work-with-robots-automation-ai-labor/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2020. Set B: Goose, Stephen D. and Mary Wareham. “The Growing International Movement Against Killer Robots.”  Harvard International Review, Summer 2016, pp. 28-33.  Academic Search Complete. Accessed 25 Oct. 2017. & Umbrello, Steven et al.  “The Future of War: Could Lethal Autonomous Weapons Make Conflict More Ethical?”  AI and Society, vol. 35, 2020, pp. 273-282, Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1007/s00146-019-00879-x . Accessed 10 Oct. 2020. Requirements: MLA Format  In-Text Citation Works Cited Page  No plagarism  Organization (NOTE: MORE THAN FIVE PARAGRAPHS!) : 1. Introduction a. Raise topic shared by the two articles b. Introduce authors and titles c. Deliver a clear, specific thesis: the points of comparison and contrast you find between the two articles. (Not something like “The authors agree and disagree” or “There are many similarities and differences between the two articles.” These statements are vague and unhelpful.) 2. Sections 2 and following a. Each section should have a clear topic sentence locating one point of comparison and contrast between the two articles. (Likely, you will start with comparisons and then switch to contrasts.) b. Each paragraph should examine ONE point of comparison or contrast, develop the idea by explaining and using specific evidence from each article, with signal phrases and citation. 4. Your opinion, your take on the issue and the debate. 5. Conclusion a. Reinforce the major message b. Leave the reader thinking about the topic. Example outline: 1. Introduction a. Thesis: Wilkins and Herbert agree that autonomous weapons systems need international regulation, but Wilkins feels existing international law provides sufficient protections while Herbert argues that we need specific regulations on the capabilities and behaviors of these systems. 2. The authors agree that robots in battle are developing super-human capabilities. a. Phalanx system can respond more quickly than humans to repel incoming attacks (Wilkins 43). b. Swarming drones can operate on simple rules to coordinate with each other and evade detection (Herbert 118). c. Humans cannot process information as quickly as networked weapons (Wilkins 42; Herbert 115). d. Sophisticated sensors provide better information than humans can access (Wilkins 38; Herbert 119). e. DARPA is funding projects currently, including aerial drones, underwater vehicles, missile systems (Wilkins 45) and infantry robots for use in support, minefield detection and disablement, and battle (Herbert 112). 3. The authors disagree on regulation. a. Wilkins cites existing international law. b. IHRL (International Human Rights Law) requires distinction and proportionality (Wilkins 48). i. Distinction is the ability to distinguish between enemy combatants and non- combatants (Wilkins 48). ii. Proportionality is the restriction of responding with the appropriate level of force in a given situation (Wilkins 48). c. Wilkins argues that as long as a human is on the loop, these safeguards can be maintained. i. Wilkins describes in the loop, on the loop, and off the loop (Wilkins 49). d. In contrast, Herbert feels that international law is not strong enough to prevent crimes. i. Accountability (who is held liable) (Herbert 120)? ii. Unexpected situations (Hebert 121). iii. Humans cannot fully understand or predict AI learning (Herbert 121). 4. Herbert argues for a ban on research while Wilkins argues for more research. a. Herbert claims technology will escape to rogue nations (Hebert 121). b. The “genie will escape the bottle,” creating more temptations to use the technology (Herbert 122). c. We cannot anticipate how deadly the technology will be if we allow continued research (Herbert 120). d. Wilkins asserts that a ban will be ineffective. i. AI research is worldwide and conducted in small, concealed labs (Wilkins 42). ii. All major nations are currently developing weapons (Wilkins 39). iii. Private companies like Space X and Boston Dynamics show that corporations can develop technology that outstrips governments’ abilities (Wilkins 39). 5. Wilkins asserts that autonomous weaponry will be more humane, while Herbert asserts the opposite. a. AIs do not need to protect themselves (Wilkins 39). b. AIs are not subject to fear and anger and have more developed sensors (Wilkins 40). c. Herbert counters that AIs lack conscience and other traits we associate with morality (Herbert 120). 6. The authors disagree on the likelihood of war if autonomous weapons are developed. a. Herbert alleges that we may start an arms race among nations, making war more likely (Herbert 121). b. Wilkins feels that an arms race is inevitable (Wilkins 42). We need to be able to respond to threats to decrease likelihood of war. c. Wilkins argues that autonomous weapons can be defensive or offensive. Defensive weapons can prevent escalation into full warfare (Wilkins 42). 7. I believe that….. a. Reason 1 b. Reason 2 c. Reason 3, etc. 8. Conclusion