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Are The Contradictory Perspectives Of Nature And Technology – Are They Integrated Or Unrelated?

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The contradictory perspectives of nature and technology – are they integrated or unrelated?
In this essay I will debate the assumption of ‘Nature’ and ‘Technology’ being positioned as opposites. I will include 3D printing, interactive technology to illustrate how technology may operate as an extension of the human body or mind by referring to reputable sources and text in the book by Lipson and Kurman (2013) Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing. In turn I will consider whether humans can be reported as both ‘natural’ and ‘technological’ beings and not be categorized into one or the other. I will refer to the texts of Cox (1989) The Tao of Postmodernism: Computer Art, Scientific Visualization and Other Paradoxes; Arthur (2009) Where do …show more content…

Figure 1 3D Printed model based on a CT scan for medical training is a 3D printed foot that replicates the bone and skin which is transparent (Lipson 2013: 126). In Figure 2 3D printed artificial heart valve is printed using stem cells and hydrogel (Lipson 2013: 118).
3D printing is a revolutionary, interactive technology that can alter the way people exist for eternity (Lipson 2013: 7). A 3D printer is able to convert software and digital representations into 3D hardware (Lipson 2013: 8). 3D printing is hardware – the physical use or making of tools and machines (Dusek 2006: 31). A person influences and controls the tool and is able to manipulate and customise the part either with software or hardware (Dusek 2006: 31).
3D printer designs are created using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and then physically printed from a compatible file format (Lipson 2013: 68-69). The materials are specified and can be customised before printing (Lipson 2013: 68-69). The printer works out the paths and actions to physically print the design (Lipson 2013: …show more content…

The digital files and creations on a computer (technology) and printed out 3 dimensionally on a printer (Lipson 2013: 7). This makes a printed practical product that can be understood in person and not just with software on a digital screen (Lipson 2013: 7). It is now interactive as a 3D printed human tissue influences the user (Interactive 2014: [sp]). Applying technology to print real human tissue that can be embedded in humans is an evolutionary step into the future (Lipson 2013: 112). There are ethical debates about relying on technology for human benefit and for the purpose of prolonging people’s lives (Lipson 2013: 9). Is 3D printing human tissue making us more cyborg and less human or

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