Framework

The seven movies or episodes and three literature works looked at throughout this course can be interpreted using various frameworks. One such framework that can be applied is the idea that technology has the potential to cause conflict between two groups of beings. In the book Thinking Through Technology, Mitcham mentions that an ‘uneasiness’ exists behind the study and development of almost any kind of technology. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the process of inventing and developing new technology has sometimes led to unfortunate disasters, and is likely to do so more times in the future. However, as Heidegger states, ‘Technology … will never allow itself to be overcome by human beings,” and this means that humans cannot simply reject it. Rather, it is essential that we learn to welcome it into our lives. Nevertheless, although technology can be advantageous, it can also potentially be hazardous if it is not handled appropriately. This is why Mumford emphasizes that limits must be placed on the progress and utilization of technology. The importance of this is made clear in Gattaca, where the conflict is the genetic discrimination created due to the incredible advancement in gene-editing technology, separating society into ‘invalids’ and ‘valids’. The film shows how invalids are written off right at birth and are given no chance to succeed in life. The magnitude of discrimination is stressed when Vincent’s father tells him, “The only way that you’ll see the inside of a spaceship is if you were cleaning it.” Vincent was born with medical conditions due to his birth being natural. These conditions deprive him of the chance to realize his dream of venturing into space, as only valids are legally allowed to participate in space missions, just as it is with most other reputable professions.