Year 11 - Religious education
The future of being human
Personhood: what might be the people of the future?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit focusses on developing technology and how it might impact people in the future. It takes a philosphical way of knowing to ask whether online relationships are the same as those in person. It questions whether devlelopments in AI and robotics may enhance or supplant personal relationships.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how rapid technological change is shaping the future of being human and how people with different worldviews might respond to this.
Key Notes
- We are living through a period of unprecedented technological change.
- The speed of change can be seen in the growth of the online world, AI and advances in robotic technology.
- This raises philosphical and theological questions about what it is to be human and how we relate to each other.
- People with different religions and worldviews may have concerns or see opportunities in this possible future.
Vocabulary To Learn
- consciousness: the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, thoughts and surroundings
- human: a conscious and sentient member of the species Homo sapiens capable of language, culture and complex social interaction
- technology: tools, machines, or systems that humans create to solve problems or extend what they can do
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students may think technological change is mainly about new devices.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
We are living through a period of unprecedented technological change. The speed of change can be seen in the growth of the online world, AI and advances in robotic technology.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'consciousness'
the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, thoughts and surroundings.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Students may think technological change is mainly about new devices. Correction: Technological change isn't just about creating new devices. As technology becomes more closely linked with human bodies and daily life, it can influence how people see themselves and their abilities.
More Lessons In This Unit
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