How engineering contribute to society(Portfolio 6)

I believe the existence of engineers is to contribute continuous improvement and inventions to the society. Over the years, the advancement of technology has brought convenient to our daily life. Firstly, in the case of health care, the advancement of technology has brought in more sophisticated medical equipment to cure more illness. Secondly, in the case of security, the ever increasing demand for more high technology use in army will give us a more security homeland. Thirdly, in the case of joy in life, more and more entertainments are invented to bring joy to the public. Lastly, in term of the environment, engineers are working hard to counter the depletion of natural resources. All in all, I feel that the most important issue that engineers should look into is the counter action of replacing the depletion in natural resources. There are plenty of articles stating that engineers are looking into ways to replace the ways of natural resources such as water and fossil fuels. Studies have shown that to replace the depletion of fossil fuels, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) could be used to replace the fossil fuels. However, a lot of other considerations have to be taken care when such technology is used. For example when, where to store carbon and how carbon should be transported or captured.
In conclusion, engineer will face plenty of challenges irregardless of any form of improvement they wish to bring to the society.

Ethical Issues of Brain Mapping (Portfolio 5)

The discovery of brain mapping has brought ethical concern to the society. Brain mapping is a useful technology that enables us to understand the functionality of our brain, however, there are some ethical concerns with regards to the use brain mapping concept. Firstly, this brain mapping concept is capable of identifying human brain activation pattern. Secondly, it is also capable for the use of brain scans to identify thoughts which can lead to the study of certain medical disorder sickness. Most amazingly, it is also capable to differentiate between the lying and truth telling which could aid in the investigating criminals. Although brain mapping is useful, ethical concerns need to be justified when it is use. Firstly, we need to identify who should be tested with brain imaging process. Would it be anyone who simply volunteers themselves? Or would it suspect criminals or dying patients? Secondly, we need to justify the privacy of individual who is tested with brain imaging. Would the privacy of the individual be invaded he/she was to go through the process? Thirdly, we need to take the considerations of imaging processing use in children. Would parents use this technology to enrich the growth of their children but unknowingly bring undesirable effect on them? If I am the researcher of this brain mapping, I must try to minimize the potential unethical concerns. I would seek the views of public, I would seek the views of the experts and I would consistently work towards to success of public appeal rather than the success of the final product. Imaging if I am to come up with a product that is unethical and not appealing to the public, what is the success rate of the public using the product? In conclusion, I would like to bring the attention of brain mapping technology, it is useful but we need to justify the ethical concern before it is commercially use.