Computer Science: An Overview: Global Edition (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson Higher Education
ISBN 10: 1292061162
ISBN 13: 978-1-29206-116-0

Chapter 1 - Data Storage - Social Issues - Page 90: 4

Answer

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The extent to which information can be quantified varies depending on the nature of the information itself and the context in which it is being analyzed. While some aspects of information can be effectively quantified, others may resist quantification or may be subject to distortion through the process of quantification. Pros and cons of different locations for a waste disposal plant can be quantified to some extent. Factors such as distance from populated areas, environmental impact, cost of construction, and potential risks can be assigned numerical values and compared. The debate over nuclear power and nuclear waste involves complex considerations including economic, environmental, and social factors. While some aspects of this debate can be quantified, such as the amount of waste produced or the cost of building and operating nuclear power plants, other aspects such as the long-term environmental and health impacts may be more difficult to quantify. Basing decisions solely on averages and statistical analysis can be dangerous if important nuances and outliers are overlooked. While statistical analysis can provide valuable insights, it should be supplemented with qualitative information and critical thinking. It is not necessarily unethical for news agencies to report polling results without including the exact wording of the questions, but providing context and transparency about the methodology used in the poll is important to ensure the results are accurately interpreted. The value of a human life is a deeply philosophical and ethical question that may not have a single quantifiable answer. Different approaches exist for attempting to quantify the value of a human life, such as the economic concept of "statistical value of a life," but these approaches are often contentious and may not fully capture the intrinsic worth of an individual. Whether it is acceptable for a company to stop investing in the improvement of a product, even though additional investment could lower the possibility of a fatality relating to the product's use, depends on various factors including the feasibility of further improvements, the likelihood and severity of potential risks, and ethical considerations. Companies have a responsibility to prioritize the safety of their products and should weigh the potential benefits of further investment against other competing priorities.
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