3AB_For or Against Humans - an endangered species

A. Before we read... The number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally exceeded 105,000 on Sunday, as infections spread to new parts of the U.S. and Italy quarantined some 17 million people in an attempt to get a handle on the epidemic. This is a Coronavirus map showing how it infects the world. Different people have different opinions regarding the virus attack. Match the following opinions with the appropriate people “To show that the team is fighting the disease and riding out the difficult times with the public, the chief executive and all politically appointed officials will donate one month’s salary for charity purposes.” The Hong Kong government "We have been lining up for masks for a few hours. We are so frustrated." Hong Kong citizens "Government officials are ordered not to wear surgical masks except in limited circumstances, to save supplies for medical staff on the front line of the coronavirus outbreak." Carrie Lam "Should we resign, strike or endure? We cannot handle too many patients." "Dirty team" nurses and doctors "Travel ban and 14-day quarantine is necessary. We should also produce our own masks to secure supply for our people." Taiwan Why do different people have different opinions on the same issue? What should we consider before we give our opinions? B. Write TWO things that an intelligent machine (robot) can do for you in your daily life. An intelligent machine could also be your smartphone or other gadgets. Read the following description about one's behaviour and decide whether they are the special features of intelligent machines or human beings. Intelligent machines (robot) They don't get bored. They are not emotional. They never feel tired. They are not afraid of danger. They make fewer mistakes when well-programmed. Human beings They can make different decisions. They are creative. They can pass on knowledge. They can reproduce the next generation. They can think independently. C. Read P.4-9 and sum up the advantages suggested. 1. The intelligent machines do not have the ability to accumulate knowledge or pass it on to others. They would never replace human beings.2. An intelligent machine can never have a human mind, so they cannot have real contact with each other.3. It is great to watch a machine do everything when you just laze around.4. The intelligent machines can extend the average lifespan and improve the quality of our lives if the change is slow.5. Much of the work would be done by the intelligent machines and little human effort is needed. Read P.4-9 and sum up the disadvantages suggested. 1. When intelligent machines multiply in number, they will be out of control and humans will become endangered animals.2. It is impossible to guess how machines might behave.3. When machines do things better and faster, humans will become domestic animals.4. When the robotic industries compete for everything (e.g. space and energy), this will lead to the rise of the cost of goods and making basic necessities impossible to afford, thus making human’s life difficult.5. When intelligent machines did most of the work, human would become greatly dependent on them, and they would never be under our control. D. After watching the video, do you think you would become endangered because of the intelligent machines? Share your thoughts below. 6 Things You WONT Believe ROBOTS Can Do Watch the video to see what robots could do. 6 Things You WONT Believe ROBOTS Can Do