ENGL 5010: Week Three/Thursday Slide Deck

Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Uncertain Dwelling
Uncertain Dwelling
Uncertain Dwelling
Uncertain Dwelling
Uncertain Dwelling

Introduction
It is not a standard argument paper for which you formulate a thesis
(e.g., smartphones are destroying a generation; we should upload our
consciousnesses into the cloud; Train is the worst band ever). Nor is this
project asking you to support those theses with three main points. In
fact, you will be penalized if you produce a main thesis statement or
claim. The idea of this project is not to come to a single conclusion,
but to think through various possible conclusions as rigorously as
possible.

dissoi logoi rationale
1. There was the basic practical idea that arguing both sides makes you learn your own
arguments better.
2. But there is a more important (though related) reason for practicing the Dissoi Logoi,
which is to acknowledge that there are arguments, or differences, in the first
place.
3. Finally, another reason, which seems more important than ever: thinking through
multiple sides develops your moral imagination.
The point of this project is to dwell in uncertainty. That is, the idea is simply to live
with the possibility that there can be diverse responses to a complex issue, all of which
can be argued with vigor and honesty.

The project
Introduction. In an introduction (which should run no more than a page
(approximately 350 words) and include a couple of paragraphs), you
should outline the human practice (or concept) that you want to start
investigating in response to the readings you’ve been doing. Articulate
the human practice (or concept) you are investigating, explaining how
you came to it or what prompted it, and discuss its importance. Unlike
the introduction of a traditional essay, this one should not conclude in a
thesis statement. But the reader should be able to see clearly what
human practice you’re tracing.

The project
Body. This section can be approached in a couple of different ways. Perhaps
you want to write (at least) three mini-essays, each taking up, in turn, the
consequences of a particular technology (a tool, a procedure, an environment).
Perhaps you want to write a single essay that toggles back and forth between
three or four technologies—describing their scope and impact—without finally
endorsing either. Perhaps neither of these will work because you feel that the
simple pro-con structure is too simple for what you’re trying to do. That’s fine.
Bring in multiple technologies. In addition, you should be bringing in your
sources. All the quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing you’ve been doing in
your notes and short assignments should make their way into the body section.

The project
Conclusion. Finally, in a page or so (or a couple of paragraphs), discuss
what you might still need to know, reflect upon, and investigate to come
to some conclusion about the question you’re asking (somewhere down
the road). The idea here is to ask yourself what further research you
need to do. If we were to decide amongst these technologies, how
should we go about doing so? Given that technologies not only respond
to but also structure our desires, how can we decide (literally) among
technologies?

The project
It is not required—nor would it be practical in many cases—to present
every possible stance relative to the human practice you have identified.
But you must present at least three; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a dissoi
logoi. And here’s the fun part: to earn the highest marks on this project, I
should not be able to tell which technologies you might favor. You
should be able to present each technology with equal vigor and
eloquence.

Dissoi dissoi logoi
And it’s even more complicated than that, or at least we are making it so.
We can understand the dissoi logoi project itself in terms of the dissoi
logoi: that is, there are multiple ways of going about it. I want to here
quickly juxtapose the two in order to indicate why one is more preferable
for us in this particular instance.
• Multiple Perspectives
• Multiple Practices

Dissoi dissoi logoi: Multiple Perspectives
One standard approach is to treat
the dissoi logoi as an exploration
and articulation of multiple
Perspective 1
perspectives. In this instance, the
different perspectives are all
organized around a singular thing or
issue. That is, the perspectives are
Perspective 4
Human Practice
Perspective 2
m u l t i p l e , b u t t h e y a r e a l l
perspectives on the same thing.
Perspective 3
Figure 1. Multiple perspectives model.

Dissoi dissoi logoi: Multiple practices
There is another way: a way that
raises the stakes of the dissoi logoi
project a little more. In this version,
w e d o n ’ t h a v e m u l t i p l e
Technology 1 Technology 2 Technology 3 Technology 4
perspectives on the same thing,
but different (actual) versions of
the thing that correspond to
different practices. In our course,
Human
Practice
Human
Practice
Human
Practice
Human
Practice
what this means is that different
technologies don’t generate different
perspectives on one thing but
Figure 2. Multiple practices model.
different versions of that thing. In this
model, the thing itself is far from
settled and is at stake through
each technology.

Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Dissoi Logoi
Proposal Mapping
Proposal Mapping
Proposal Mapping
Proposal Mapping
Proposal Mapping

Mapping dissoi logoi
For my Dissoi Logoi paper I want to look into the human practice of treating mental health disorders. I
am interested in the different way different professionals approach these issues and what treatments
actually get the desired result. Many people use technology to treat mental health and I want to look into
each of these and see what out comes are produced by each. One technology used in treating mental
health are one on one therapy sessions through video and text. I will talk about how this is an affordable
solution to those cannot pay to see therapists in person or cannot transport themselves to a professional.
Another technology is behavior trackers that work to improve people’s moods. Virtual reality is another very
important technology that is often used to treat PTSD. The last one I want to talk about is the smart
software that finds at-risk patients in medical records. This helps make mental health services more
affordable by finding the correct insurance policy for that person. These are just a few of the technologies I
could focus on. I am going to think about replacing one of these with EDMR Therapy because it is
important. I will probably format my paper to talk about each technology and the benefits it has on mental
health. Then I will pick one at the end. I simply just want my audience to understand the great things about
each one. I might add charts or pictures of each type of treatment to give visuals as to what these
technologies look like.

Mapping dissoi logoi
For my Dissoi Logoi paper I want to look into the human practice of treating mental health disorders. I
am interested in the different way different professionals approach these issues and what treatments
actually get the desired result. Many people use technology to treat mental health and I want to look into
each of these and see what out comes are produced by each. One technology used in treating mental
health are one on one therapy sessions through video and text. I will talk about how this is an affordable
solution to those cannot pay to see therapists in person or cannot transport themselves to a professional.
Another technology is behavior trackers that work to improve people’s moods. Virtual reality is another very
important technology that is often used to treat PTSD. The last one I want to talk about is the smart
software that finds at-risk patients in medical records. This helps make mental health services more
affordable by finding the correct insurance policy for that person. These are just a few of the technologies I
could focus on. I am going to think about replacing one of these with EDMR Therapy because it is
important. I will probably format my paper to talk about each technology and the benefits it has on mental
health. Then I will pick one at the end. I simply just want my audience to understand the great things about
each one. I might add charts or pictures of each type of treatment to give visuals as to what these
technologies look like.
Picking one at the end critically undermines
the goal of the dissoi logoi project.

Mapping human Wants
The human practice I will be investigating is privacy. I will be focusing on the security of information
stored on smart devices by users (consumers). My plan is to consider the different privacy concerns held
by users and the response of big technological companies that have faced controversy regarding privacy
and security. The first technology I will be researching is iCloud. iCloud, a cloud storage service created by
Apple, is thought to be highly secure. Apple is a company famous for placing high priority on the privacy
and security of not only iCloud, but all their devices. They have faced controversy because of this
dedication to security. The second technology I will be researching is Google Drive. I plan to research the
general experience of its consumers, as well as significant breaches that have occurred. Because this is a
Dissoi Logoi, I will also be researching any breaches that Google Drive has thwarted/the positive
experiences users have had. The third technology I will be researching is Dropbox. Similar to that of Google
Drive, I will be researching the general experience of its consumers, significant breaches, and positive
experiences. All three technologies that I am researching on three separate companies highly competitive
towards one another. My Dissoi Logoi will be in the form of a regular paper. So essentially, I will be writing a
single essay that goes back and forth between the three technologies mentioned previously. I will be
comparing and contrasting all three technologies without endorsing a particular one.

Mapping human Wants
The human practice I will be investigating is privacy. I will be focusing on the security of information
stored on smart devices by users (consumers). My plan is to consider the different privacy concerns held
by users and the response of big technological companies that have faced controversy regarding privacy
and security. The first technology I will be researching is iCloud. iCloud, a cloud storage service created by
Apple, is thought to be highly secure. Apple is a company famous for placing high priority on the privacy
and security of not only iCloud, but all their devices. They have faced controversy because of this
dedication to security. The second technology I will be researching is Google Drive. I plan to research the
general experience of its consumers, as well as significant breaches that have occurred. Because this is a
Dissoi Logoi, I will also be researching any breaches that Google Drive has thwarted/the positive
experiences users have had. The third technology I will be researching is Dropbox. Similar to that of Google
Drive, I will be researching the general experience of its consumers, significant breaches, and positive
experiences. All three technologies that I am researching on three separate companies highly competitive
towards one another. My Dissoi Logoi will be in the form of a regular paper. So essentially, I will be writing a
single essay that goes back and forth between the three technologies mentioned previously. I will be
comparing and contrasting all three technologies without endorsing a particular one.
The goal is not to measure the technologies against some prior notion of
privacy but instead to trace how each technology defines privacy itself.

Mapping human Wants
My dissoi logoi will investigate the means by which humans produce energy. The world is changing, and
so is our need for energy, but which energy source wants what is best for us? Economics, pollution, safety,
and dependability are all factors of energy production that play for us or against us. The 5 technologies I
will be researching are wind, solar, nuclear, hydro, and “combustion” which is basically a bunch of things we
burn the generate electricity, like coal, oil, and gas. Wind and solar are technologies that are both
renewable, clean, and depend entirely on the conditions of the environment to generate
electricity. Hydroelectric dams are also a clean and renewable means of generating electricity, that don’t
rely so heavily on the day to day environment. They are, however, very detrimental to aquatic life. Nuclear
energy is considered clean as it only lets off steam into the atmosphere, but toxic nuclear waste is
a byproduct of this process. It is however a nonrenewable means of producing energy. Lastly, the
combustible means of energy are most of what power this planet today. They have lots of infrastructure
already in place, it is cheap, and provides a lot of jobs to uneducated workers. However, they are also very
heavy polluters. The dissoi logoi paper will take the form of breaking down the wants of each energy
source, focusing on one energy source in each paragraph. Then comparing them with the perceived wants
of the human race, and see how they individually line up with or against where we want to go as a species.

Mapping human Wants
My dissoi logoi will investigate the means by which humans produce energy. The world is changing, and
so is our need for energy, but which energy source wants what is best for us? Economics, pollution, safety,
and dependability are all factors of energy production that play for us or against us. The 5 technologies I
will be researching are wind, solar, nuclear, hydro, and “combustion” which is basically a bunch of things we
burn the generate electricity, like coal, oil, and gas. Wind and solar are technologies that are both
renewable, clean, and depend entirely on the conditions of the environment to generate
electricity. Hydroelectric dams are also a clean and renewable means of generating electricity, that don’t
rely so heavily on the day to day environment. They are, however, very detrimental to aquatic life. Nuclear
energy is considered clean as it only lets off steam into the atmosphere, but toxic nuclear waste is
a byproduct of this process. It is however a nonrenewable means of producing energy. Lastly, the
combustible means of energy are most of what power this planet today. They have lots of infrastructure
already in place, it is cheap, and provides a lot of jobs to uneducated workers. However, they are also very
heavy polluters. The dissoi logoi paper will take the form of breaking down the wants of each energy
source, focusing on one energy source in each paragraph. Then comparing them with the perceived wants
of the human race, and see how they individually line up with or against where we want to go as a species.
The goal is not to measure the technologies against the wants of humans but
instead to trace how human goals are, in part, shaped by these technologies.

Mapping technology Wants
The human activity that I am investigating is the intake of opioids. More so of how opioids are
administered, and how the type of administration effects the wants of the opioid. The route of
therapy of opioid administration is a key consideration when choosing specific agents. The most
common route is the oral route, which is easy and generally cheap. However, it is short acting and often
takes longer to reach the peak effectiveness. Another route is the transdermal route, which provides a
simple, comfortable method that allows for stability in concentrations. However, this route has a slow
onset, so patients with acute pain cannot use it, and is expensive. The intravenous (IV) route is an
additional method of administration. This method allows for a continuous infusion of opioids but is
complicated because it requires prolonged venous access and close supervision. Another route for
administration is the subcutaneous route, where the medication in injected under the skin. This allows
for a quick delivery, but also causes local toxicity, requiring the injection site to be changed frequently.
For the dissoi logoi, arguments for and against opioids and their administration can be made. Each type
of administration obviously has their own advantages and disadvantages, which would help make strong
opposing arguments for the administration of opioids and what it wants.

Mapping technology Wants
The human activity that I am investigating is the intake of opioids. More so of how opioids are
administered, and how the type of administration effects the wants of the opioid. The route of
therapy of opioid administration is a key consideration when choosing specific agents. The most
common route is the oral route, which is easy and generally cheap. However, it is short acting and often
takes longer to reach the peak effectiveness. Another route is the transdermal route, which provides a
simple, comfortable method that allows for stability in concentrations. However, this route has a slow
onset, so patients with acute pain cannot use it, and is expensive. The intravenous (IV) route is an
additional method of administration. This method allows for a continuous infusion of opioids but is
complicated because it requires prolonged venous access and close supervision. Another route for
administration is the subcutaneous route, where the medication in injected under the skin. This allows
for a quick delivery, but also causes local toxicity, requiring the injection site to be changed frequently.
For the dissoi logoi, arguments for and against opioids and their administration can be made. Each type
of administration obviously has their own advantages and disadvantages, which would help make strong
opposing arguments for the administration of opioids and what it wants.
This dissoi logoi looks at what each administration technique does and wants. Researching what
each technique wants, leaves us better prepared to make decisions, which comes next.

Mapping form
The human practice that I will be investigating will be cooking and the handling of food. The culinary
context of technology will be focused on, including heating for preparation, the process of directly cooking
the food before it is served, and the different fields of cooking, from grilling to baking. The first technology
being researched is the microwave, which is used for warming any food that has gotten cold and for creating
instant meals from pre-made packages. Quick and simple to use, they have a limited amount of potential for
use and are treated as inferior tools in the culinary world. The second observed machine is the oven, most
commonly associated with baking and known for its use of indirect dry heat to create dishes. As its chamber
ranges from roasting to heating ingredients, it faces a variety of methods for cooking, and are accompanied
by upper burners for boiling. The final studied device is the grill, known for its direct application of dry heat to
greasy food. It has less varied use but is responsible for many steaming dishes that allow for better taste and
is frequently used in the kitchen. The Dissoi Logoi could take the form of a journalistic entry similar to articles
seen in newspaper publications or even magazines. It will present the differing views and opinions regarding
each device and compare them over their main goal of cooking. Ideas will come from professional chefs to
common consumers.

Mapping form
The human practice that I will be investigating will be cooking and the handling of food. The culinary
context of technology will be focused on, including heating for preparation, the process of directly cooking
the food before it is served, and the different fields of cooking, from grilling to baking. The first technology
being researched is the microwave, which is used for warming any food that has gotten cold and for creating
instant meals from pre-made packages. Quick and simple to use, they have a limited amount of potential for
use and are treated as inferior tools in the culinary world. The second observed machine is the oven, most
commonly associated with baking and known for its use of indirect dry heat to create dishes. As its chamber
ranges from roasting to heating ingredients, it faces a variety of methods for cooking, and are accompanied
by upper burners for boiling. The final studied device is the grill, known for its direct application of dry heat to
greasy food. It has less varied use but is responsible for many steaming dishes that allow for better taste and
is frequently used in the kitchen. The Dissoi Logoi could take the form of a journalistic entry similar to articles
seen in newspaper publications or even magazines. It will present the differing views and opinions regarding
each device and compare them over their main goal of cooking. Ideas will come from professional chefs to
common consumers.
This more journalistic style allows for descriptions of the
experiences of cooking that each technology wants. Such a form
works well for this topic (but not necessarily all topics).