Technology and the Human Race

The novel Brave New World and the article “The Year Man Becomes Immortal” both interpret the ideas of singularity. This is a very controversial concept. Many people are reluctant to believe in this because it is a freighting possibility. Though I do not believe it is possible, many think it is imminent. It would be a horrible mistake to let technology become too advanced. For example the author of the article states that “if computers are getting faster, so incredibly fast there might conceivable of something comparable to human intelligence.” This might be true but it is not a positive advancement. The more people become to rely on technology, the less they think for themselves. The world has made it so they don’t have. This also causes humans to lose sight of what living is for. They no longer experience the world themselves but through machines. This loss of authentic humanity is what Bernard began to resist in Brave New World. Bernard wanted to be his own person not what his station dictated he be. When talking to Lenina Bernard declares “I want to know what passion is, I want to feel something strongly.” He does not to go on living an unemotional live. He wants to have something to live for. One night when Bernard takes Lenina out, he stops to watch the waves of the channel and tells Lenina quote “It makes me feel as though…I were more me, if you see what I mean. More on my own, not so completely a part of something else.” This quote once again shows us how much he wants freedom from technology. He craves a more fulfilling life style. He urns for meaning in his life. The article begs the question “As we approach immortality, omniscience, and omnipotence will our lives still have meaning?” If the human race becomes immortal and all knowing there is really no point in living. There is nothing new to discover or anything that makes an individual stand out.  We need to watch the speed of our advancement so not to lose sight of what being human is all about.

Rhetorical Analyisis: Alicia Gilmore

This is the link to the article: http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/512/postmodernism-in-vonneguts-cats-cradle

1. The author of this article is explaining all the postmodernist ideas that are portrayed in the novel Cat's Cradle. He wanted to bring to light the idea of that progress is not always positive. It can be can be used for evil purposes. The author's main purposes is to point out flaws of the study of science and promote the beliefs of postmodernism.
2. The intended audience of this article is the people who are studying the ideals of postmodernism. Yes he is aware of his audience and speaks to them directly. He uses examples to add credibility to his view so that the reader will more excepting of his point of view.
3. The subject is the ideals of postmodernism that are portrayed in Cat's Cradle. It would be appreciated by the its audience because they study postmodernism.
4. The main point is that the pursuit of truth and knowledge does not always lead to the betterment of mankind.The thesis is agreeing with the view points of postmodernism. The author wants to prove that view points in the novel are true in our society. The thesis is very controversial because there are many different ways to look at the subject.
5. The writer uses quotes from both Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle and  Powell's Postmodernism for Beginners to solidify his ideas. This evidence is very important to the writer's argument. It backs up what he is saying. Quotes like what the writer used is the best kind of evidence to use in this genre. It is the kind that is most likely to persuade the audience. Any kind of scientific knowledge because it would contradict what the author was trying to prove.
6. The writer maps out the points he wants to cover in the introduction and then follows the order and goes into detail about the concepts. This is an effective way to write. It helps the reader follow along and builds the case for the writer's point of view.
7. Yes the writer uses good transitions to make the article easy to read and comprehend. I think they work very well.
8. The language that the author uses is not that formal. He does use some terminology, but the author's intended audience can still understand it. The uses of the terminology helps the readers to know that the author knows what he is talking about.
9. The writer contrasts the ideas of modernism and postmodernism. He also shows the parallels between the novel and real life. These devices enhance the writer's meaning.
10. No the author does not establish himself as an acceptable authority on the subject. He quotes two authors that have studied the subject and are respected in their field.

It reinforced how important it is to quote and have reliable sources to rove your point.