Ethics of Science and Technology

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AP Chinese Language and Culture › Ethics of Science and Technology

Questions 1 - 9
1

阅读以下短文并回答问题:本文以“数字安全与网络攻防技术的升级”为背景,说明企业采用端到端加密、零信任架构与多因素认证来保护用户数据,降低勒索软件与账号盗用风险。作者也提出伦理难题:过度收集日志与行为画像虽有助于检测异常,却可能形成对员工与用户的持续监控。文中举例:杭州一家电商平台在内部审计中发现,安全部门为追踪泄密而扩大访问权限,导致无关人员也能查看敏感订单信息。文章指出,在中国语境下,人们往往期待平台“负责任地”维护秩序,但同样要求“有界的管理”,即权限最小化、用途限定与可追责。Based on the passage, which ethical perspective is highlighted in the text?

以责任与边界约束安全管理的权限扩张

以技术决定论否认任何制度与伦理约束

以完全公开所有数据作为绝对透明原则

以利润最大化作为唯一正当的安全目标

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how ethical principles apply to scientific advancements and how cultural perspectives influence these ethics. In this passage, the discussion on digital security highlights the Chinese perspective of 'bounded management' - maintaining security while limiting authority expansion through clear responsibilities and boundaries. Choice A is correct because it accurately reflects the ethical perspective of constraining security management's power expansion through responsibility and boundaries, which aligns with the passage's emphasis on 'responsible' platform management with 'bounded authority,' minimum permissions, and accountability. Choice B is incorrect as it represents a purely profit-driven approach not discussed in the passage; the text focuses on ethical constraints rather than profit maximization. To help students: Encourage analysis of how Chinese concepts of responsible governance apply to technology, practice identifying cultural values in security discussions, and analyze the balance between order and individual rights. Watch for: Western assumptions about privacy that may differ from Chinese perspectives on collective security.

2

阅读以下短文并回答问题:本文围绕AI辅助医疗影像诊断在中国医院的应用展开,介绍算法可在肺结节筛查、眼底病变识别中提高效率,缓解基层医生短缺。作者同时讨论伦理争议:训练数据若主要来自大城市三甲医院,模型在少数民族地区或不同设备条件下可能误差更高。文中提到王医生在贵州某县医院试用系统时,坚持“人机协作”原则:AI给出概率,最终决定仍由医生承担,并向患者解释不确定性。文章指出,中国社会对“医者仁心”的期待意味着技术应服务于关怀,而非取代责任。According to the text, what are the potential consequences of biased medical AI data according to the passage?

在特定人群与设备条件下增加误判风险

使医生不再需要向患者解释诊疗过程

提高所有地区诊断一致性且不需人工复核

自动消除医疗资源差距并降低药价

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how ethical principles apply to scientific advancements and how cultural perspectives influence these ethics. In this passage, the discussion on AI-assisted medical imaging highlights how training data from urban hospitals may lead to higher error rates in minority regions or with different equipment conditions. Choice B is correct because it accurately reflects the consequence of biased data - increased risk of misdiagnosis in specific populations and equipment conditions, as illustrated by Dr. Wang's experience in Guizhou where the AI system trained on urban data might not perform as well. Choice A is incorrect as it contradicts the passage's emphasis on human-machine collaboration and the need for human verification; the text explicitly states that final decisions remain with doctors. To help students: Encourage analysis of data bias in AI systems, practice identifying how training data affects outcomes, and analyze the importance of diverse data representation. Watch for: assumptions that AI systems work uniformly across all populations.

3

阅读以下短文并回答问题:本文以“智慧校园中的学习分析系统”为例,介绍学校使用AI对作业提交、课堂互动与图书借阅等数据进行建模,以便早期识别学习困难并提供辅导。作者指出伦理争议:若数据被用于排名或惩戒,学生可能被贴标签;同时,未成年人数据的保存期限与家长知情权需要明确。文中案例:广州某中学在上线前召开家长会,允许选择退出,并承诺仅用于教学支持、定期删除敏感数据。文章认为,中国教育文化重视勤奋与集体荣誉,但也应保护学生人格与发展空间。According to the text, how does Chinese culture influence views on school learning analytics?

把隐私视为西方概念,因而不必征求同意

强调集体荣誉与勤奋,但要求避免羞辱性标签

主张学生数据应永久公开以促进社会监督

认为成绩与数据无关,因此无需任何系统评估

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how ethical principles apply to scientific advancements and how cultural perspectives influence these ethics. In this passage, the discussion on school learning analytics highlights how Chinese educational culture values collective honor and diligence while requiring protection against stigmatizing labels. Choice A is correct because it accurately reflects the balanced perspective - emphasizing collective honor and hard work (traditional Chinese educational values) while demanding avoidance of humiliating labels that could harm student development, as shown in the Guangzhou school's careful implementation. Choice B is incorrect as it contradicts the passage's discussion of using AI for assessment; the text shows schools actively using data systems while addressing ethical concerns. To help students: Encourage analysis of how traditional educational values adapt to modern technology, practice identifying cultural nuances in educational contexts, and analyze the balance between collective goals and individual dignity. Watch for: Western assumptions about privacy that may not fully capture Chinese perspectives on collective educational achievement.

4

阅读以下短文并回答问题:本文以“可穿戴设备与健康大数据”为例,介绍智能手表在中国年轻人中普及,能够监测心率、睡眠与运动量,并将数据上传至云端以生成个性化建议。作者指出伦理争议:保险公司或雇主若获取这些数据,可能据此调整保费或评价员工;同时,用户未必理解授权条款的范围。文中案例:北京一家公司在员工福利计划中提供手表,承诺自愿参与,但部分员工担心“不参加就显得不合群”。文章讨论中国社会的人情与群体压力如何影响“自愿”的真实性。Based on the passage, what ethical dilemma is presented by wearable health data programs in the passage?

是否应禁止所有健康建议以避免焦虑

是否在群体压力下仍能实现真正自愿授权

是否应只监测步数而不监测睡眠以求公平

是否应将云端存储视为完全无风险的选择

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how ethical principles apply to scientific advancements and how cultural perspectives influence these ethics. In this passage, the discussion on wearable health devices highlights the tension between voluntary participation and group pressure in Chinese workplace contexts. Choice A is correct because it accurately reflects the ethical dilemma - whether true voluntary consent can be achieved under group pressure, as illustrated by the Beijing company case where employees worry about appearing uncooperative if they don't participate despite 'voluntary' policies. Choice B is incorrect as it presents an extreme position about banning all health advice, which is not discussed in the passage; the text focuses on consent and data usage issues rather than eliminating health programs. To help students: Encourage analysis of how Chinese concepts of group harmony affect individual choice, practice identifying subtle coercion in 'voluntary' programs, and analyze the role of social pressure in technology adoption. Watch for: Western assumptions about individual autonomy that may not account for collective social dynamics.

5

阅读以下短文并回答问题:本文以“基因编辑CRISPR在遗传病预防中的进展”为例,说明科研团队正研究在胚胎期纠正致病突变的可能性,同时强调此类技术若用于“定制婴儿”会引发公平与尊严争议。文中提到一位名叫李雯的医学伦理委员主张:在中国文化中,家庭责任与“传宗接代”的期待可能使部分父母更愿意尝试新技术,但儒家传统也强调节制与慎独,要求对不可逆的生命改动保持敬畏。作者还讨论基因数据隐私:一旦被商业机构长期保存,可能影响婚恋、就业等社会评价。According to the text, how does Chinese culture influence views on CRISPR gene editing?

在家庭责任与节制敬畏之间寻求平衡

强调个人完全自主,反对任何家庭参与决策

把基因编辑等同于普通美容手术而不涉伦理

认为技术必然带来平等,因此无需监管

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how ethical principles apply to scientific advancements and how cultural perspectives influence these ethics. In this passage, the discussion on CRISPR gene editing highlights how Chinese cultural values of family responsibility and Confucian principles of restraint and reverence shape attitudes toward genetic modification. Choice B is correct because it accurately reflects the balanced perspective presented - seeking equilibrium between family responsibilities (including traditional expectations of lineage continuation) and the Confucian values of restraint and reverence for life-altering decisions. Choice A is incorrect as it contradicts Chinese cultural emphasis on family involvement in major decisions; the passage specifically mentions family responsibility as an important factor. To help students: Encourage analysis of how traditional Chinese values interact with modern technology, practice identifying cultural nuances in ethical discussions, and analyze how Confucian principles apply to contemporary issues. Watch for: Western-centric interpretations that ignore the role of family in Chinese decision-making.

6

Scenario: Environmental Technology in China. Passage context: A 410-word text describes high-speed rail expansion connecting inland cities to coastal hubs, highlighting reduced aviation emissions and regional development. Ethical debates include displacement near construction corridors, noise impacts, and whether investment should favor underserved areas. The passage notes Chinese aspirations for national connectivity and shared prosperity, while emphasizing procedural fairness and community consultation. A case study describes a route adjustment after residents petition for a tunnel to protect farmland, increasing costs but reducing disruption. According to the text, which ethical perspective is highlighted in high-speed rail planning?

Random allocation that selects routes by lottery, since planning criteria create unavoidable bias.

Procedural fairness that weighs emissions benefits against local burdens through meaningful consultation.

Anti-development absolutism that rejects rail entirely, because infrastructure is inherently unethical.

Cost-only reasoning that dismisses community input, since efficiency is the sole moral value.

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how infrastructure planning must balance emissions benefits with local community impacts through fair procedures. In this passage, the high-speed rail expansion highlights the importance of procedural fairness - weighing environmental benefits against local burdens through meaningful consultation. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies this perspective, showing how the route adjustment after community petition exemplifies balancing emissions reduction with local concerns through proper consultation. Choice B is incorrect because the passage emphasizes community consultation and procedural fairness, not dismissing input for efficiency. To help students: Encourage analysis of procedural justice in infrastructure decisions, practice identifying meaningful versus token consultation, and examine how national benefits interact with local costs. Watch for: focusing only on outcomes not process, missing power dynamics in consultation.

7

Scenario: Environmental Technology in China. Passage context: A 370-word text describes desalination plants supplying coastal cities in Shandong during droughts. Ethical debates include energy intensity, marine ecosystem impacts, and whether water pricing should protect low-income households. The passage notes cultural emphasis on social stability and equitable access to basic needs, while acknowledging fiscal constraints. A case study reports tiered pricing: low-cost essential use and higher rates for luxury consumption, alongside monitoring of brine disposal. According to the text, which ethical perspective is highlighted in desalination governance?

Energy denial that assumes desalination requires no power, so environmental impacts are impossible.

Uniform pricing that ignores income differences, since fairness means identical costs always.

Luxury priority that subsidizes high-end use first, because prestige is the primary public good.

Equitable access that pairs tiered pricing with ecosystem safeguards and transparent monitoring.

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how environmental technologies like desalination must balance water security with equity and ecological concerns. In this passage, the Shandong desalination plants highlight the need for equitable access through tiered pricing while addressing environmental impacts. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the equitable access perspective - pairing tiered pricing (protecting low-income households) with ecosystem safeguards and transparent monitoring of impacts like brine disposal. Choice B is incorrect because the passage explicitly discusses tiered pricing that accounts for income differences, not uniform pricing. To help students: Encourage analysis of how basic needs access intersects with environmental protection, practice identifying equity mechanisms in resource pricing, and examine tradeoffs in drought solutions. Watch for: focusing only on technical feasibility, missing distributional justice issues.

8

Scenario: Biotechnology Ethics in China. Passage context: A 365-word text discusses hospital biobanks in Tianjin collecting tissue samples for cancer research. Ethical debates include broad consent versus study-specific consent, governance of secondary use, and whether families should be notified of incidental findings. The passage notes Chinese family involvement in medical decisions, while emphasizing respect for individual autonomy and confidentiality. A case study describes a governance board including clinicians, ethicists, and community representatives to review data requests. Based on the passage, how does Chinese culture influence views on biobank consent?

It rejects community oversight, because ethics boards are viewed as culturally inappropriate.

It treats incidental findings as irrelevant, since cultural norms forbid sharing health information.

It denies any role for individuals, since families always own all medical data by tradition.

It supports family involvement while still emphasizing individual consent and confidentiality safeguards.

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how biobank consent must balance family involvement traditions with individual autonomy principles. In this passage, the Tianjin hospital biobanks highlight how Chinese family involvement in medical decisions coexists with growing emphasis on individual consent and confidentiality. Choice A is correct because it accurately reflects this balance - supporting traditional family involvement while still emphasizing the importance of individual consent and confidentiality safeguards. Choice B is incorrect because the passage emphasizes respect for individual autonomy alongside family involvement, not complete family ownership. To help students: Encourage analysis of how collectivist and individualist values interact in medical contexts, practice identifying consent complexities in family-centered cultures, and examine governance mechanisms for biobanks. Watch for: assuming either pure individualism or pure collectivism, missing nuanced balance.

9

Scenario: Biotechnology Ethics in China. Passage context: A 380-word text explains CRISPR gene editing and a hospital proposal to correct a heritable blood disorder in embryos. It distinguishes therapeutic editing from “enhancement” traits and highlights ethical disputes over designer babies, unequal access, and genetic privacy for future children. The passage notes Chinese cultural emphasis on family lineage, filial responsibility, and avoiding preventable suffering, yet it also cites public concern about crossing moral boundaries and the need for strict oversight. A case study describes an ethics committee requiring anonymized genomic storage and lifetime follow-up, raising questions about consent for minors. According to the text, what ethical dilemma is presented by embryo CRISPR in the passage?

Whether therapeutic editing prevents suffering while risking enhancement pressures and privacy loss.

Whether gene editing is unnecessary because all hereditary diseases are already curable.

Whether CRISPR only affects adults, making consent straightforward and universally informed.

Whether genetic data can never be stored securely under any medical circumstances.

Explanation

This question tests AP Chinese Language and Culture skills, specifically understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Chinese cultural context. This involves recognizing how therapeutic gene editing presents complex ethical dilemmas that intersect with Chinese cultural values about family lineage and preventing suffering. In this passage, the discussion on CRISPR gene editing for a heritable blood disorder highlights the tension between therapeutic benefits and concerns about designer babies, unequal access, and genetic privacy. Choice A is correct because it accurately captures the central ethical dilemma - whether the therapeutic benefits of preventing suffering justify the risks of enhancement pressures and privacy loss for future children. Choice B is incorrect because the passage discusses editing for heritable diseases that are not currently curable, making this statement factually wrong. To help students: Encourage analysis of how cultural emphasis on family lineage influences bioethics debates, practice distinguishing therapeutic from enhancement applications, and examine consent issues for future generations. Watch for: confusing therapeutic and enhancement uses, oversimplifying complex ethical positions.