MEDP 285 - Homework #1 Reflections

Neil Kuldip

As We May Think

Through the lens of Vannevar Bush's perspective, I find myself agreeing on the general concept that science should advance to maintain and further develop the collective knowledge acquired so far. At this contemporary moment, we are bound by the current methods of research and analysis. These same old methods are not evolving at the same pace that the mechanized technology is going. However, I do think of the complexities mentioned of automating the associative trails humans do to draw connections. While machine learning has proved to be efficient in trying to mimic the way we connect the dots, I find that we would be pushed to an extent of losing that part of humanity to this development. While automating the selection process may have its feats of allowing us to direct more attention to bigger things, it's also a thing to note of the frontiers we are reaching for examining our physical world. Despite this I am all for this current route of development, if it means that research and understanding can be widely understood. We already have more access to the world at our fingertips, imagine the potential of this development to open our minds to possibilities previously sealed from us.

Long Live the Web

Reading about Tim Berners-Lee's appeal to keep the World Wide Web feels paramount relative to other things to keep evolving our world and the way we thrive in it. From my view as a digital native, I find myself fortunate to have grown up with this technology and have it become an essential utility in my everyday life. It was surprising how specific Berner-Lee and the World Wide Web Consortium intended the principles of the web when launched. It amazed me how much I take for granted the ability to search, interact, and contribute to this greater interconnected network through this application. I remember years ago during the previous presidency how the decision of net neutrality was approaching, but didn't fully grasp the gravity of the principles being discarded. The web has not only propelled the twenty-first century to a new era, but it also encouraged change on a grander scale with more barriers between people being dismantled. As for basic human rights, I do agree that the web is still in a long ongoing stage where our federal laws and policies are struggling to keep up with these developments. With that, I couldn't be more in agreement that the web needs to be protected and maintained so that our future and those who inhabit it can keep the wheel turning and reap the benefits.