Summary of round table discussions

During the round table discussion, four groups had presented their ideas and argument which were based on the topics assigned to them.

The first group started out with the topic on whether or not hybrid electric vehicles should be promoted as a means of mitigation method against the climate change. The supporting side's argument was that the hybrid electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly to use since they produce less emissions to the atmosphere compared to petrol-powered vehicles. Furthermore, if more people support the idea of using these vehicles, then the cost of mass producing these vehicles would be economically affordable, resulting in more people being able to afford them. Moreover, with the rising price of oil, it would be cheaper to switch to using hybrid electric vehicles. However, the opposing side argued that there is a limited number of infrastructures related to the vehicles, leading to inconvenience to the users. Also, this mitigation might only be limited to the developed countries.

Next is my group which debated on the topic of regulations on the use of brain scan technology. The side that supported on regulating this technology argued that the use of such technology would violate a person's privacy since it is able to predict what is the person thinking of. On top of that, young children would be send for brain tests to see if he or she is capable of attending certain courses by their parents and this would trigger some ethic issues. The opposing team rebutted that it would be too troublesome for either the government or institution to regulate. Furthermore, since this technology is still in its infancy stage, there exists too much uncertainties presently. Hence, it would be impossible to regulate it at this point of time.

The third group to present was assigned the topic of should Singapore support the adoption of green chemistry technology. Both sides had considered several factors such as the feasibility of green chemistry in Singapore. The supporting side gave the argument that Singapore should adopt such technology because it has the capital and infrastructures to start with. However, the opposing side rebutted by saying that Singapore lacks the expertise in this field and may need to invite expertise from overseas to research green chemistry.

The last group debated on the topic of stem cell research and its implementations. Supporting side gave their argument that such research would benefit mankind as organs could be cloned and used in transplants. Hence, patients need not have to wait that long as compared to the present for transplant operations. However, opposing side argued that such cloning technology has no moral guidance and is seen as mankind trying to change the way nature works.

In general, I think that all the groups did come up with some interesting points and some of these points are worth arguing for. For example, hybrid cars may be inconvenient to use at this point of time but in the long run, situation may change and such cars may become more popular.
The use of brain scan studies may be seen as violating one's privacy, but it could just benefit the society by detecting brain disorders while it is still in its early stage. For green chemistry, although we have the infrastructures and money, we still lack the expertise in this field. Lastly, the benefit of stem cell research may outweigh the moral issues related to it, especially since more people may need the use if such technology to stay alive.