ADV. 16.1. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. PREDICTING THE FUTURE 

1. VISIONARIES

Seer or charlatan?

Some look to the stars to spot signs of life on other planets. Others look for signs of a different kind, to the omens and portents they hope will foretell of riches a-waiting, relationships a-coming and fame a-calling. Some look upward to the heavens for such signs; others, inward to visions and inspiration. And the rest of us may look downward at more humble and homely teacups, tarot cards and talismans to find what the future might hold in store.

By no means a 21st-century phenomenon, means of divining the future have long been part of traditional cultures around the world. People have scoured their dreams for symbols that might unlock what’s around the corner. Some societies have looked to Mother Nature for guidance, reading the entrails of animals or the shapes formed by clouds, shadows cast by stones or yarrow stalks, or scanned upturned palms and faces. These forms of divination have often been associated with people believed, or who believe themselves, to have special gifts of extrasensory perception, or second sight. The role of the priest or priestess, shaman or magician is still central in many societies today, though their responsibilities may now also include here-and-now concerns as well as forebodings.

Throughout history, particular people have been associated with clairvoyant or clairaudient abilities. For the rationalists, these people are no more than charlatans who offer vague and cryptic messages, veiled in metaphor and imagery, open to variable interpretations. To those who feel there is more to this world than the physical eyes can show us, such messengers hold the key to unlocking the future trajectory of our world, and offer hope of averting dangers yet to come.

One such individual is Nostradamus. Controversy and criticism surround what is known of him. Born Michel de Nostredame in France in the early 16th century, he Latinized his name to Nostradamus for personal reasons. Often depicted as a physician, some historians claim he was thrown out of medical university. On one thing most would agree, however: Nostradamus was an astrologer, looking to the movement of the planets and people’s times of birth to draw up his prognostications. But he has perhaps gained most notoriety not for his glimpses into personal lives, but for his revelations about the future through quatrains, or verse-like commentary.

Attributed to Nostradamus with the benefit of what naysayers call retrospective hindsight are prophesies of world wars, numerous famines and disasters, man’s landing on the moon and the recent collapse of world economies. For non-believers, however, these verses are no more than the ramblings of a man deluded, and the application of creative interpretation on the part of those who wish to believe in Nostradamus’ clairvoyance. Linguists argue his messages were wrapped in such obscurity and metaphorical language that the doors of perception were left wide open for the public to make of them what they would. They point to the wealth of phrases such as ‘and the young lion shall overcome the old’ as his means to figuratively (and some would say, therefore, evasively) refer to a wide spread of people and nations. But when the times get tough and bad things happen to good people, many look to Nostradamus’ writings, imagining they foretold this writing on the wall and heralded apocalyptic news.

How did Nostradamus make these predictions supposedly ranging from technological advances to world destruction? Reportedly, he stared into water or fire to see these visions, though more extreme believers claim the man was a time traveler! Perhaps there is only one thing we can be truly certain of, however: The debate about the meaning of Nostradamus’ work will continue for as long we have a future!

2. SPECULATING ABOUT THE FUTURE

Use expressions like these to speculate about the future.

Our greed may slap us in the face (an action that insults or upsets someone). - Наша жадность может выйти нам боком.

Our misuse of natural resources will come back to haunt (bite) us (it will become a bigger problem in the future because you have not dealt with it). - Мы еще пожалеем о злоупотреблении природными ресурсами.

If you believe my horoscope, next week is bound (certain or extremely likely to happen) to be bleak . - Если верить моему гороскопу, следующая неделя обещает быть мрачной.

I don't foresee myself making any big changes. - Не думаю, что буду что-либо кардинально менять в будущем.

By no stretch of the imagination should we worry about the world coming to an end. - Как бы мы ни представляли себе будущее, нам не стоит беспокоиться о конце света.

By no stretch of the imagination is it over. - чтобы нам не казалось, это не конец.

Use expressions like these to advise a rational approach. 

Use your common sense. - Взгляни на вещи здраво.

Get real. - Вернись к реальности.

It's time to get back to basics and stop being so greedy. - Пора вернуться к истокам и перестать быть такими алчными.

I'd like to find the charlatans and give them a piece of my mind (to speak angrily to someone about something they have done wrong). - Я бы нашел этих шарлатанов и высказал им все, что о них думаю.

To The Editor, The Daily Bulletin

Madam,

For some of us, the future is here already. It's encoded in our individual DNA. It's carried in the words we speak that are highly likely to come backto haunt us, and it's going to slap us in the face in no uncertain terms when Mother Nature finally decides to give us one finalpiece of her mind . Judging by the increasing number of people who are consulting charlatans like Mystic Maureen (your resident so-called psychic), avidly reading their horoscopes on my morning commute, I'd say that the future is bound to be bleak . I thought we lived in an age of reason, but columns like this are sure to have gullible people believing otherwise. I'm no soothsayer or shaman, and I don't claim to have extrasensory perception, just good, old-fashioned common sense.I say, let's get real . But one thing I can predict for sure: I won't buy this newspaper again!

Sincerely,

A Reader

3. PREDICTIONS AND PREDICAMENTS 

Q:  I’ve never heard of YADS-MOOD. What is it exactly?
A:  It’s a movement dedicated (посвященный) to encouraging individuals to protect the Earth’s diminishing resources and look for more viable, earth-sustainable alternatives in every aspect of life. Its name is made up of the letters of the word ‘doomsday’ spelled backward. So we’re all about trying to reverse (move backward) the doomsday predictions in various areas of life.

Q: Cool! And which areas are those?
A: The economy, the environment, technology and society.

Q: And what’s the message that you’re trying to get across (донести) to people?
A: Good question. First and foremost, act now. Carpe diem – seize the day, and all that. Before it’s too late. Whether you read tarot cards, follow the writings of Nostradamus or listen to the scientific community, all the signs are there, and they are pointing in the same direction: doomsday, unless we act. Now.

Q: What do you predict will happen if we don’t?
A: Well, as far as the economy’s concerned, unless we get a grip on (to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly) our obsession with acquiring things, people will likely keep on the debt treadmill and economies will take a nosedive. Consumer debt on a personal level and toxic assets (chemical waste) on a company level are bound to continue to increase. We’ve come close a number of times over the years to a global economic meltdown (a catastrophic event). Then there’s the environment. People have been talking about this for hundreds of years, not just in my lifetime. We have to look at sustainable ways of living, mothballing our need for energy-guzzling modes (use excessive fuel) of transportation and habitats. We may have to make some very tough choices in the years ahead, but at least we still have time to make the choices.

Q: So you remain optimistic in spite of all the doomsday warnings we’ve heard?
A: Oh, yes, I think so. We think it’s possible to make use of technology in such a way so as to safeguard the Earth rather than destroy it. If we could apply all the money that’s gone into developing frivolous inventions into more life-sustaining projects like the one called Eat Local Reduce Air Miles, then everyone would benefit. We may not be traveling to the moon or other planets anymore in the future, but at least we’d be looking after the one we’re on now.

Q: So what can people do on a day-to-day basis?
A: Start small. We can’t just all drop everything and go run off into caves, or beat a hasty retreat to some idyllic island somewhere. But we can turn off lights, turn down air conditioners, go back to growing our own food. Why, even just the other day, I came across a really neat city garden right in the heart of our heaving (full of people) metropolis here. It’s a densely populated area with innumerable high-rises, but there they were – 10 tiny little plots with people growing cucumbers, lettuce and fresh flowers. It made my heart sing!

Q: Well, that sounds like a good note on which to end our interview. Thanks for your time, and good luck!


We should get a grip on our obsession with money.
It's an alternative to energy-guzzling transportation.
They're working to help address doomsday predictions.
It's important to help safeguard the planet.
Do you think we can avoid the end of the world?


2. DISCUSSING A NEW TECHNOLOGY

1. EXPRESSING DOUBT AND SKEPTICISM 

- How on earth could that be true?
- What's that got to do with it?
- You can't be serious!
- I'm somewhat skeptical
- Like that's ever going to happen!
- No way!

- I'm utterly skeptical about that.
- How on earth could that have anything to do with it?
- I doubt that very much.
- Like that's ever gonna happen!

2. EXPRESSING CONVICTION 

- with every fiber of my being
- I'm totally convinced of it
- Yes, yes, I do. And I say that with utter conviction  
- It's my fervent believe that this'll happen in the next 10 years
- Without a shadow of a doubt


I'm totally convinced we're going to run out of oil.
He talks with utter conviction about living to 150.
It's my fervent belief we'll live on the moon someday.
With every fiber of my being, I believe in peace.
Lots of one-child families? Not a doubt in my mind.

3. EVALUATING A NEW INVENTION

1. THE MIND OF THE MACHINES 

artificial intelligence (AI) - 

not-too distant - не слишком отдаленный

perception - восприятие 

exhibit - проявлять

imitate - подражать 

copying - копирование 

infancy - младенчество

reshape - придавать новый вид

rotten - гнилой

They're using artificial intelligence to make that robot sound human.

Today, robots have relatively limited skills of perception

I've seen a robot imitate a bee. It buzzed and flew around a room

Robots can only imitate humans, and so far, they're pretty good at copying what we do.

Robots will reshape the way we think about our spirituality.

Robots can't do much because the technology is still in its infancy.

Why do robots take out the trash? Because it's a rotten job!

2. SOFTENING AN OPINION OR STATEMENT

AVA: The jury's still out on genetic modification, isn't it? Seems to me it's a rather risky business all round. Besides, GM's just way too expensive, to my way of thinking. And a lot of researchers are unhappy about the consequences, too.
JEFF: With respect, I don't know that you have all the facts at your disposal.
AVA: But if I'm not mistaken , didn't the government issue a major paper on this a while back?
JEFF: Yes, but I think people in this country have a tendency to shoot down new ideas when they first come on the scene.
AVA: No, we don't! Well, I suppose you may have a point there.
JEFF: Well, I could be wrong – it's happened before! But if we have more of a public debate about this issue, I think we'd see there are a lot of assumptions about GM, many of which are somewhat dubious, in my humble opinion .
AVA: You, humble? I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that one, too!



If I'm not mistaken, the CEO supports it.
It's outstanding, in my humble opinion. - это необычайно
Seems to me AI's not ready for the market.
The jury's still out on that, isn't it?
People here have a tendency to shoot down new ideas.


3. QUESTION TYPES

Question types

When you are evaluating new inventions, you have to ask a wide variety of questions. Some of the more common question types are listed below.

Closed questions

A closed question has one definite answer. The answer does not vary.

A: What is the name of your invention?

B: I call it the Emotibot. Where did you buy that robot? What can the robot do?

There is only one answer to this question because the robot only has one name. Closed questions are useful for getting facts or details.

Open questions

An open question has many possible answers. An open question is used to get an opinion or description.

A: How do you feel about a robot with emotions?

B: It's a little strange. I'm not sure that I like the idea. How can we make money off of robotics?

In this situation, a person could have many different ways of answering the question. Leading questions We often use negative questions to try to get someone to give us the answer that we want. We are trying to lead a person to agree with us. A: Don't you think that a robot with emotions is just wrong? B: Well, maybe you're right. I'm not sure. Don't you think a robot could help us clean up? Don't you think others have this technology?  Don't you want to show me how it works? When someone asks a leading question, you already know the answer that they want to hear. Buttering-up questions Another way to try to get the answer that you want is to praise, or butter up, someone in the question. A: Why don't you use your incredible knowledge of robotics and interview the professor? B: Oh, all right. I'll do the interview. Would you be a real friend and lend me $500 for the robot? Would you extend your generosity and invest?   May I see your impressive work? The person asking the question praises the listener's knowledge of robots in order to persuade him to do an interview that he does not want to do.

4. WRITING ABOUT ROBOTS IN SOCIETY 

1. FROM SCI-FI TO WI-FI?

Simile and metaphor

Great writers use colorful language to describe and explain their ideas. They often use comparisons to help their readers understand what they mean. Two common techniques that they use are simile and metaphor. A simile is a comparison that uses the word 'like.' My love's like a red, red rose, that's newly sprung in June. A metaphor is very similar to a simile, but does not have the word 'like.' All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. Simile and metaphor in science and technology Because science and technology are complex subjects that are difficult for ordinary people to understand, scientists often use simile and metaphor to explain their ideas. One of the greatest scientists, Albert Einstein, is a good example of a mathematical and scientific genius who often used simile and metaphor. Two of his similes and metaphors are below. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. From sci-fi to Wi-Fi? It is often said that reality mirrors art. In today's world of robotics and artificial intelligence, it is perhaps more accurate to talk about fact mirroring (science) fiction. The link between science fiction and reality has long been pooh-poohed by skeptics and scientists alike, but no-one on either side of the argument can question the fact that the world of sci-fi has increasingly become the world of Wi-Fi, in daily life from the world's poorest to the most developed countries. But where did all this begin? For members of Generation X who believe, as indeed do most youth generations, that they invented everything, it may come as something of a surprise to learn that robotics has probably been around since the dawn of civilization. Ancient cultures told stories in their myths and legends about 'artificial people,' and early Greeks and Muslim scholars devised prototypes of objects with what are now considered robotic characteristics and defining features. Leonardo da Vinci, thought of as the archetypical Renaissance Man, apparently made drawings of a mechanical knight which – or should that be who? – could sit up, wave its arms and move its head and jaw in what have come to be defined, with the benefit of retrospective hindsight, as the beginnings of a humanoid robot. And all of this some five hundred years before we had movies like 'Blade Runner' or 'I, Robot' to appeal to our futuristic senses. The seeds of the future are always planted in the past, it seems. This link between fact and science fiction has given rise to many interesting discussions. Erudite and philosophical debates rage as to whether the popular TV sci-fi series, 'Star Trek' – now some 40 years old – was actually responsible for ushering in many of today's handheld devices. Proponents, and indeed major actors involved with the original series like William Shatner, who plays Captain James T. Kirk, contend that the writers were nothing short of visionaries — modern-day equivalents of men like Da Vinci, who in the 15th century in some inexplicable way managed to see into the future and predict what was to come. Advocates of this idea point to devices such as the 'phaser,' and its much-loved accompanying TV-line, 'Set phasers to stun.' This program prop was like a gun that could immobilize or, on occasion, even kill an enemy or being by shooting rays at them. Fast forward to the present when police use 'aids' such as tasers, hand-held gadgets which can immobilize. It is interesting to note how the names of these two devices rhyme, lending yet more credibility to the idea that the one may have indeed spawned the other. Sci-fi to Wi-Fi. Our world is more and more like a science-fiction TV show!

2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE




The Thin Line


The links between robots and humans continue to be debated. In some cases, robots look very much like machines, but in other cases they've been built to mimic human features and characteristics, and appear very human as a result. In Japan, people have recently designed a female receptionist robot who smiles when you enter the office! There are many different kinds of robots today. They can be found on factory floors doing assembly-line work on car production, for example. They have replaced human workers doing repetitive, arduous or menial work in dangerous environments, often in a more time-effective way. These industrial robots are sometimes blamed for taking away work from their human counterparts, however. Meanwhile, at home and around the office, other kinds of robots can be found putting their programmed skills to work in order to help with more mundane chores like vacuuming or mowing the lawn. As they are designed to support people with their day-to-day needs, they are called service robots. These days the military and police often make use of robots to go into areas of danger; they’ve been called in to situations where there have been unexploded mines or bombs and sent in to defuse them. Most people seem more than satisfied with this, and in fact prefer that these humanoids do the job than cute-looking sniffer dogs or real men or women! In a similar manner, the use of robotic arms or 'limbs' have helped astronauts work in deep space more easily, another example of dedicated robots.

There has always been heated debate over the question as to the relationship between intelligence and robots - do they possess the same intelligence as humans, better or just different? Robots have largely been seen as being programmed with artificial intelligence, although with continuing developments in the field of AI, the trend is in the direction of more and more human-like features of intelligence. Moreover, work is currently underway around the globe to develop robots that not only think and move like humans but also react emotionally to us and their environment.In light of these developments, the 'chatbot' is an interesting aspect of artificial intelligence. The word itself is possibly a newly formed blended word of 'chat' and 'robot,' and is reminiscent of the word 'chatterbox'! The chatbot is an artificial being programmed to have conversations with us, either via on-screen text messages, through speech recognition or both. They often have human names, and designers often try to give the bots 'personality' features such as a sense of humor. In many ways, this represents what may be the beginnings of the ultimate development in artificial intelligence - as computer programmers and AI specialists alike look for ways to dissolve the boundaries between human and robot, endowing the latter with more and more physical and mental anthropomorphic features, like skin or emotions, drawing the line ever-so-thin between human and machine. Which leaves us all wondering: Will the storyline of Blade Runner come to pass in our time, when the human race will be hard-pressed to identify whether beings are human or artificially-intelligent sentient beings?

Robots are being built to mimic human characteristics.

Wow – the features on that robot make it look just like my uncle!

Robots in car factories have made the assembly line even more efficient.

Robots have limited skills, so they are often put to menial jobs.

 Anthropomorphic  robots make me nervous. They look too much like humans.

Why do we want non-human things to be sentient  ?

3. THE FUTURE

By 2050, scientists will have perfected robot intelligence.

It will equal, if not outstrip, that of human intelligence.

Over the next few years, Japan will be investigating ways of using space-age artificial intelligence to reduce manufacturing costs.

We are planning to have a service robot in operation by this time next year.