Q. In the immediate future, we will see the increasing commodification of many new technologies –
artificial intelligence and robotics, 3D manufacturing, custom made biological and pharmaceutical products, lethal autonomous weapons and driverless cars. This will pose conundrums. The moral question of how a driverless car will decide between hitting jaywalker and swerving and damaging the car has often been debated. The answer is both simple- save the human life- and complex. At which angle should the car swerve- just enough to save the jaywalker or more than enough? If the driverless car is in Dublin, who would take the decision ? The Irish Government, or the car’s original code writer in California, or a software programmer in Hyderabad to whom maintenance is outsourced ? If different national jurisdictions have different fine print on prioritizing a human life, how will it affect insurance and investment decisions, including transnational ones?
Q 1. Which of the following statements best reflect the rational, plausible, and practical implications that can be derived from the passage given above?
1. Too much globalization is not in the best interests of any country.
2. Modern technologies are increasingly blurring the economic borders.
3. Innovation and capital have impinged on the domain of the state.
4. Public policy of every country should focus on developing its own supply chains.
5. Geopolitics will have to reconcile to many ambiguities and uncertainties.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 4 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – (c) 2, 3 and 5 only
Explanation – 1. Too much globalization is not in the best interests of any country: This statement suggests that excessive globalization could have negative consequences for individual countries. However, this idea is not explicitly mentioned or implied in the passage.
2. Modern technologies are increasingly blurring the economic borders: This statement reflects the idea presented in the passage that new technologies such as driverless cars and custom-made biological products can create complex transnational issues that challenge traditional economic boundaries.
3. Innovation and capital have impinged on the domain of the state: This statement reflects the idea presented in the passage that new technologies and their associated capital flows can create complex issues that challenge traditional notions of state sovereignty and control.
4. Public policy of every country should focus on developing its own supply chains: This statement suggests that countries should prioritize developing their own supply chains to mitigate potential negative effects of globalization. However, this idea is not explicitly mentioned or implied in the passage.
5. Geopolitics will have to reconcile to many ambiguities and uncertainties: This statement reflects the idea presented in the passage that new technologies can create complex transnational issues with many ambiguities and uncertainties, which will require adaptation from geopolitical actors.
So based on these explanations, option © 2, 3 and 5 only remains as a correct answer.
