ENG 106 / ING 106 ASSIGNMENT 2
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Read the following argumentative essay and complete the outline.
REPLACED BY A ROBOT Ever since the invention of computers, technology has done more and more of the job of the average worker. From mathematical calculations to mailing lists, computers have become more efficient, in more areas, than their human colleagues. Although some argue that computers will never replace people, others are concerned about the advanced robotic technology that computers make possible. Indeed, it is likely that the use of more and better robots will someday result in fewer jobs for humans. However, this should not be seen as a problem. Rather, as technology improves, employers in all fields should look to maximize their robotic workforce and minimize human error. Until now, many have argued that robots can only replace humans in certain less-skilled jobs. They might, for example, be able to perform routine tasks on an assembly line. These opponents of a mechanized workforce may not be aware that technology has progressed in the areas of decision-making and creativity. Some robots’ work in these areas is almost equal to that of humans. In fact, some interactive computers are so well-designed that it will soon be possible to talk with them almost endlessly before realizing that they are not human (Loftus). A computer even won the game show Jeopardy not long ago. These computers are clearly capable of more than simple tasks. Others argue that, even though computers may someday be able to approximate human behavior, humans will always be able to do the job better. While that may be true for a general-purpose robot, highly-specialized machines can often do specific tasks better than a human being, no matter how well-trained. For example, human lawyers may miss important evidence. This is particularly true when sifting