(UFU 2020) - Question Medium of Philosophy

In today's world, the idea of subjectivity has changed noticeably due to the rapid increase in digital technology and our heavy usage of social media. This shift means that individuals are redefining their identities and how they engage with the world, often placing more value on their online personas than on real-life experiences. Given this backdrop, how does modern subjectivity affect how people see themselves and interact with others in digital spaces?

With the rapid development of genetic technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, important ethical questions pop up about how far we should go in altering nature. A noteworthy example is the possibility of editing genes in human embryos to prevent hereditary diseases. While this practice could offer substantial health benefits, it also raises concerns about the potential for genetic manipulation for traits unrelated to health, such as appearance or intelligence. Given these considerations, what is the main ethical challenge we face with the use of these technologies in contemporary science?

Modernity is a concept that has its roots in social, economic, and cultural changes that primarily took place in Europe from the 15th century onwards, particularly through the Renaissance and, later, the Industrial Revolution. These pivotal moments represented a significant shift from the Middle Ages, advocating the notion of ongoing progress and placing a premium on reason and individualism. Given the characteristics of Modernity, how can we evaluate the impact of these changes on the ideas of civilization and development, especially when compared to traditional or non-Western societies, particularly regarding values and social structures?