Explanation

We now move beyond the issue of description to explore the topic of explanation. For social scientists, this means focusing on causation. For example, if we pose the following question, “How do we account for the fact that ‘Hell happens…?” we are automatically compelled to consider possible causes. Since one or more causes are conceivable options, we have to make a choice about better or worse explanations.

This bring up a second issue:

How do issues of cause and effect become muddied as a result of different understandings of a topic like Hell?  If I believe Hell means one thing and you believe it means something quite different, we may identify different causes.  As we move along in this seminar, we will see that these issues have important implications for our actions.

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TORTURE:  “THE DEVIL’S DEED

12. Thursday, February 17 

In this and our following meeting, we will use the example of  torture to explore an old question:  “Why do (presumably) good people do (clearly) bad things?  This is an issue of explanation.

Today, we will revisit the horrors of the 2004 Abu Ghraib torture and abuse scandal by watching the acclaimed HBO documentary:  “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib”  HERE  (We will watch this film in class; you do not need to watch it beforehand)

Review this timeline in preparation for the film:  READ

13. Tuesday, February 22

Discussion:

How can we explain the massive human rights violations at Abu Ghraib.  In addition to discussing “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib,” we will also consider the implicit arguments in the  following pieces:

The DOD Schlesinger Report, only the “Executive Summary,” pp. 5-6:  PRINT AND READ

Who was punished?  READ

UN Convention against Torture (ratified by the US in 1988), Articles 1-4 READ

Geneva Convention, Part II: READ

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TECHNODYSTOPIA:  “A HELL WE CHOOSE OR ONE THAT CHOOSES US?”

14. Thursday, February 24

Discussion:  What are the motivations of the companies that dominate the internet and social media?  What kind of society are they creating? Why is it so attractive to us?  How do these companies seek to capture and maintain our attention?

In addition, as you read these pieces, ask yourself:  What do they have in common with issues Darren Byler raises in his book, In the Camps.  Is the global impact of digital information simply determined by the governments of different nations?  Or has the digital world become more important than the politics and cultures of different nations?

Google “R” Us:  “Mission Statement” PRINT AND READ  (Google’s slogan used to be ‘Don’t be Evil.’ Now, it is something different.  Try to figure out what it is and/or could become.

Facebook “R” Us: READ AND PRINT

Meta “R” Us: LISTEN to as many of the videos under “The metaverse will be social” as possible.  Fascinating stuff!  Disturbing, too.

Disneyland “R” Us: READ  Then, ask yourself how the above platforms play on our “human nature” to retain our attention.  Who is primarily responsible for being controlled by the Web?

Paragraph Assignment:  Today’s discussion topic introduces two major themes. The impact of human nature and the influence of those who control social media platforms.  Normally, I would provide you with a question to link these themes.  This time, I would like you to pose what you consider to be the best question.  After posing it, identify the argument and counterargument, and then state where you stand.  Be creative, be bold!

15. Tuesday, March 1

Discussion: The War in Ukraine  

16. Thursday, March 3

How Wise is it to put our Trust in Digital Service Providers? 

Discussion:  What are the risks for our privacy in entrusting our private data to those who control the internet?

Fee Gardner, “Students under Surveillance” READ

Colleen Flaherty, “Lights, Camera, Tech” READ  Monitoring your professors?

Robert Tracinski, “‘Don’t Be Evil’? Google Is Becoming A Police State” PRINT AND READ

Nicholas Confessore and Cecilia Kang, “Facebook Data Scandals Stoke Criticism That a Privacy Watchdog Too Rarely Bites” PRINT AND READ

TED talk with Yuval Noah Herari WATCH (optional )

Nellie Bowles, “Tech C.E.O.s Are in Love With Their Principal Doomsayer”  READ