Body Enhancement
Cosmetic surgery, brain implants, computerized prosthetics, tattooing, and body piercing are all forms of body enhancement. In some cultures, tattooing and excessive body piercing are seen as anti-establishment. While in others, indigenous peoples are reverting to these ancient rituals as a statement of their cultural belonging and pride. Plastic surgery has evolved from assisting badly burned or maimed soldiers to those today suffering from body dismorphic disorder due to imagined needs to change his/her appearance. New technology now enables paraplegics to control prosthetic devices using only their thoughts and forecasters foresee nanorobotics boosting other mental abilities. Where will the concept of body enhancement end? How far will people go not only to correct deformities or disabilities but to enhance their otherwise normal, healthy bodies to superhuman or “superperfect” proportions?
Simulation Technology
As computer technology improves, photos can be “corrected” to show perfection. Video of any individual can be altered to show whatever the programmer chooses. This could be a wonderful opportunity for actors to vacation while movies that include them are made. It might also allow someone who is overweight to see what they might look like as a thin person or for parents to see what their new baby will look like as a child or an adult. Images can be manipulated to show almost anything. What implications could this have in court evidence? Could it impact employment? What other amazing things could be accomplished with this technology?
Neurotechnology
Neurotechnology is technology that makes it possible to manipulate the brain. Already one young patient has had a chip embedded in his brain, which allows him to control a computer using his thoughts. Instruments and techniques used in developing neurotechnology include brain imaging systems (MRI, PET, EEG), biochips (DNA microarrays, protein chips, RNA chips), genetic engineering techniques, cellular implantation, and electronic stimulation. Neurotechnology offers hope to sufferers of brain disorders and spinal cord injuries to lead a normal life again. It also has the potential to enhance brain functions in normal people. What are the ethical implications of neurotechnology? Should it only be used for recovery from illness and injury or is the use of it for augmentation also a possibility?
Debt in Developing Countries
For many years, the world's poorest countries have been forced to take out loans in order to afford essential goods and services for their people, such as national security, healthcare, public safety, and education. In the short term, deficit spending can create jobs and fulfill basic needs. But it also leads to higher interest rates that stifle economies, and imposes obligations on future generations to repay the debt. Many activists and world leaders now argue that the debts of third world countries, which are largely owed to wealthier foreign governments and multinational corporations, amount to a substantial obstacle to sustainable development, security, and stability in those countries. Pleas to forgive the debt of poor nations have evoked much sympathy in recent years, but opinions remain divided over how best to remedy the situation.
Child Labor
Child labor is a pervasive problem throughout the world, especially in developing countries. Africa and Asia together account for over 90 percent of total child employment. Children often work because of poverty, particularly in areas where the capacity to enforce minimum age requirements for schooling and work is lacking. Children are major contributors to family income in developing countries. Traditional cultural and social factors increase child labor. Child laborers are often subjected to extreme exploitation leading to deprived lifestyles. There is no international agreement defining child labor, making it hard to isolate cases of abuse, let alone abolish them.