Ethics of Science and Technology
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AP Japanese Language and Culture › Ethics of Science and Technology
Based on the text, the passage notes that sekentei (concern for social appearance) can discourage reporting privacy violations, as individuals fear being seen as disruptive. It argues this cultural pressure complicates enforcement of privacy rights in workplaces using monitoring software. Relevant with remote work growth. How does sekentei (social appearance) influence the ethical perspective on workplace surveillance?
It can suppress complaints, making formal rights ineffective when employees fear social repercussions.
It proves privacy is unnecessary, since reputation matters more than any personal boundary.
It requires adopting European law verbatim, regardless of Japanese workplace norms and practices.
It guarantees transparency because social appearance always encourages whistleblowing.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding workplace surveillance is explored through sekentei (social appearance), highlighting how it suppresses complaints. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on ineffective rights. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues sekentei as guaranteeing transparency, which is a common misconception when not considering social fears. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, agricultural gene editing promises disease-resistant rice, potentially reducing pesticide use. Yet the passage raises ethical worries about disrupting satoyama (human-nature managed landscape) and the ideal of wa (harmony), alongside consumer skepticism after past food-safety controversies. This is relevant as climate pressures intensify. What ethical dilemma is highlighted in the passage regarding gene-edited crops?
Whether to protect harmony with local ecosystems while pursuing resilient harvests through genetic alteration.
Whether to prioritize export profits, regardless of domestic trust or ecological considerations.
Whether to treat gene editing as identical to traditional breeding, eliminating ethical scrutiny.
Whether to abandon farming entirely because nature should never be managed by humans.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding gene-edited crops is explored through satoyama (human-nature harmony), highlighting the balance between resilient harvests and ecological disruption. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on protecting ecosystems. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the dilemma as abandoning farming, which is a common misconception when not considering harmonious management in Japanese culture. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, municipal governments use AI cameras to monitor crowded stations for safety and efficiency. The passage notes Japan’s preference for order and meiwaku avoidance (not causing trouble) can normalize surveillance, yet shizenshugi (respect for natural, unforced life) and constitutional privacy concerns push back. This is relevant as smart-city pilots expand. Which ethical principle from Japanese culture is most applicable to the situation described?
Market absolutism, defining privacy solely by what companies can monetize legally.
Militaristic obedience, requiring citizens to accept any state technology without question.
Meiwaku avoidance, balancing public order with the risk of normalizing constant monitoring.
Radical individualism, treating communal safety as ethically secondary to personal preference.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding AI cameras is explored through meiwaku avoidance (not causing trouble), highlighting the balance between public order and surveillance risks. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on cultural principles in monitoring. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the principle as radical individualism, which is a common misconception when not considering communal values in Japanese society. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, clinical gene editing to prevent inherited disease is discussed alongside Japan’s emphasis on inochi (the preciousness of life). The passage notes Shinto kegare (impurity) concerns can make intervention feel like crossing a boundary, while others argue compassion justifies preventing suffering. Relevant today as therapies mature. How does Shinto kegare (impurity) influence the ethical perspective on human gene editing?
It treats gene editing as purely technical, so cultural concerns are inappropriate in policy debates.
It can frame editing as a boundary-crossing act that risks moral contamination, warranting restraint.
It demands unlimited enhancement because purity is achieved by maximizing genetic perfection.
It denies any spiritual meaning in medicine, making only economic efficiency ethically relevant.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding human gene editing is explored through Shinto kegare (impurity), highlighting the risk of moral contamination from boundary-crossing. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on restraint. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues kegare as demanding unlimited enhancement, which is a common misconception when not considering purity in Shinto context. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, Japan’s companion robots for children are marketed as educational, yet the passage worries about data collection and emotional manipulation. It references kokoro (heart/mind) as something that should not be commodified, and notes modern parental time constraints. Relevant as edtech expands. What ethical dilemma is highlighted in the passage regarding children’s companion robots?
Whether to prioritize robot speed and battery capacity as the central moral considerations.
Whether to ignore consent because minors cannot benefit from privacy protections in any context.
Whether to replace teachers entirely, since robots are always more ethical than humans.
Whether to support learning while preventing commercialization of children’s emotions and personal data.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding children’s companion robots is explored through kokoro (heart/mind), highlighting the prevention of commercialization. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on protecting emotions. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the dilemma as replacing teachers, which is a common misconception when not considering supportive roles. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, Japan’s eldercare robots raise an ethical dilemma: ningen rashisa (human dignity) versus efficiency. As AI caregivers in facilities reduce staffing costs yet risk replacing omotenashi (attentive hospitality) with scripted empathy, some invoke Shinto yaoyorozu no kami (spirits in all things) to argue robots deserve respectful treatment, while Confucian kō (filial piety) emphasizes family responsibility. Relevant today amid labor shortages and rapid deployment by firms like SoftBank Robotics. How does Confucian kō (filial piety) influence the ethical perspective on delegating eldercare to robots?
It argues economic growth should override concerns about emotional authenticity in care.
It treats robots as morally irrelevant tools, making cultural duties unnecessary to consider.
It frames robot use as acceptable only if it preserves familial duty and relational care.
It prioritizes individual autonomy over family obligations in all eldercare decisions.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding eldercare robots is explored through Confucian kō (filial piety), highlighting the tension between efficiency and maintaining family responsibilities. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on preserving familial duty. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues kō as prioritizing individual autonomy, which is a common misconception when not considering relational obligations in Japanese context. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, Japan’s generative AI tools now write school essays and translate speech, raising concerns about eroding gakuryoku (authentic academic ability). The passage contrasts doryoku (effort) as a moral virtue with the convenience of automation, arguing the issue matters today as AI becomes ubiquitous in classrooms. How might contemporary Japanese society view AI-assisted learning differently than traditional views presented?
It will universally reject AI because Japanese culture opposes all educational technology.
It may accept AI as a pragmatic aid while still valuing effort, redefining what counts as mastery.
It will ignore effort entirely, treating outcomes as the only ethical concern in schooling.
It will prioritize foreign moral theories, making Japanese values irrelevant to classroom policy.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding AI-assisted learning is explored through doryoku (effort), highlighting the tension between convenience and authentic mastery. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on redefining mastery with pragmatism. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the view as universal rejection, which is a common misconception when not considering adaptive cultural perspectives. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, personalized medicine in Japan uses genomic data to tailor cancer treatment, but the passage highlights risks of re-identification and discrimination. It contrasts communal benefit with kojin jōhō (personal information) protections and notes cultural reluctance to stand out may reduce complaints. Relevant as hospitals digitize records. What ethical dilemma is highlighted in the passage regarding medical genomic databases?
Whether to eliminate privacy law entirely because genetic information cannot be controlled.
Whether to prioritize entertainment applications of DNA data over clinical care improvements.
Whether to treat all data as state property, making consent ethically unnecessary.
Whether to expand data sharing for public health while safeguarding individuals from stigma and misuse.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding medical genomic databases is explored through kojin jōhō (personal information), highlighting the balance between public health and privacy risks. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on safeguarding against misuse. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the focus as entertainment applications, which is a common misconception when not considering clinical priorities. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, post-Fukushima energy policy debates weigh nuclear restarts against renewable expansion. The passage frames the ethical issue as balancing anzen (safety) with energy stability, while honoring kizuna (community bonds) through fair risk distribution. Relevant today amid rising electricity costs and emissions targets. What ethical dilemma is highlighted in the passage regarding nuclear energy restarts?
Whether to secure reliable power while ensuring safety and equitable burdens for affected communities.
Whether to make energy decisions solely by foreign opinion, excluding domestic deliberation.
Whether to prioritize national prestige, regardless of local consent or environmental stewardship.
Whether to treat all renewables as unethical because they disrupt traditional landscapes.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding nuclear energy restarts is explored through anzen (safety) and kizuna (community bonds), highlighting equitable risk distribution. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on community fairness. Choice B is incorrect because it misconstrues the dilemma as prioritizing prestige, which is a common misconception when not considering local consent. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.
Based on the text, AI hiring systems in Japanese companies promise impartial screening but may encode bias against nontraditional careers. The passage contrasts wa (social harmony) with transparency demands, noting that maintaining tatemae (public façade) can discourage challenging opaque algorithms. Contemporary concern grows as job matching platforms expand nationwide. What ethical dilemma is highlighted in the passage regarding AI hiring systems?
Whether to ban all digital tools because technology inevitably harms workplace relationships.
Whether to replace Japanese labor law with foreign privacy rules to increase competitiveness.
Whether to preserve harmony while exposing potentially unfair, unaccountable automated judgments.
Whether to maximize speed of hiring even if applicants cannot contest algorithmic decisions.
Explanation
This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture skills: understanding the ethics of science and technology within a Japanese cultural framework. Ethical considerations in science and technology often involve balancing innovation with cultural values and societal needs. Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and modern societal dynamics, provides unique perspectives on these issues. In the passage, the ethical dilemma surrounding AI hiring systems is explored through wa (social harmony), highlighting the conflict between transparency and maintaining public façade. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets the ethical implications as discussed, reflecting the passage's emphasis on exposing unfair judgments while preserving harmony. Choice A is incorrect because it misconstrues the dilemma as solely about hiring speed, which is a common misconception when not considering cultural harmony in decision-making. To help students: Encourage critical analysis of how cultural values shape ethical perspectives. Discuss various Japanese cultural principles such as Confucianism, Shintoism, and their modern applications. Practice evaluating ethical dilemmas by considering multiple cultural viewpoints.