[humanmarkup-comment] Fw: Elements of Human Dignity and Decency?

[Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga <rkthunga@humanmarkup.org>]

I have another take...

In a sense, HumanML is technology independent, and how it is used is not
under our control.  However, in another sense, it will only make human
information more available, and more explicit--it can never make human
information less explicit.

An excellent Use Case for HumanML to be in the development of a system to
allow voluntary, free input of personal information by individuals, which
allows them to express their beliefs..if there's one human universality, its
that we all want to be heard...that is if we feel the information we share
will benefit ourselves and selected others, and not used against us.

That's not to say we don't need other types of systems as well--yeah we are
technology independent effort focusing on the specs itself--however, fully
transparent information about our internal states isn't something may not be
something people ultimately may cringe at...rather, it might be something
people would welcome.

Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga

<len>
The article points up some notions which we have been
considering.  That technology is blind and its use
must be considered given alternatives.  There is a famous
saying from Dr. Werhner Von Braun after the Apollo 1
fire: "We are not in the business of making shoes."
The dangers have to be evaluated in the right contexts.

Essentially, the role and authority have to be considered.
A doctor is enabled functions that are not enabled for the
typical inspector.   This serves the good of the person
so inspected.   The doctor can use technology and techniques
which the average person cannot use.

A Neighborhood Watch citizen can arrest a perp.  In fact, the
individual has to because the policeman does not observe
the crime and is called in for backup.  It is critical
that the individual be trained.  This fact is emphasized
in the formal relationship of the Neighborhood Watch
organization and the local law enforcement agency.  Of
concern in the formation of these agencies is multicultural
patrol areas and the problems of ascertaining a situation
and response.  This is an area in which HumanML enabled
systems can provide better results.  It will take a while
to get there, but that should be a goal.  Meanwhile, we
have to proceed with some caution and deliberation.
</len>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga" <rkthunga@humanmarkup.org>
To: <Owen_Ambur@fws.gov>
Cc: <ari@cdt.org>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2001 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: Elements of Human Dignity and Decency?


> That is very true.  We don't have a humane way of gathering or using
> information about others internal states.
>
> People would often voluntarily provide explicit self-descriptions of their
> beliefs, attitudes, internal states if they feel that that this
information
> is going to bring respectful insight, and not used against them.  Even
> potentially dangerous individuals may prefer to be upfront and honest
about
> their internal states, if they felt that their beliefs and views could be
> somehow resolved.  If we develop tools to explicitly and humanely deal
with
> issues regarding differing beliefs and attitudes, however sick and
perverse
> they may seem, then these differences could be brought to the surface and
> dealt with, rather than supressed and hidden from view.
>
> With dignity, we can open up our "pus-filled" minds...sure the jury's out
on
> how successful new systems can be--in light of recent events however, we
> only have the country (or the world) to lose.
>
<snip/>



>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Owen_Ambur@fws.gov>
> To: <rkthunga@humanmarkup.org>
> Cc: <ari@cdt.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 26, 2001 11:54 AM
> Subject: Elements of Human Dignity and Decency?
>
>
> > Ranjeeth, there are so many needs/opportunities that have been made so
> much
> > more painfully evident by the events of 9/11.  However, Robert
Slaughter's
> > excellent article in today's edition of the Washington Post highlights
one
> > that may be ripe for consideration by the HumanMarkup.org.
> > http://www.humanmarkup.org
> >
> > The article is entitled "Privacy Exposed: The more invasive the
> technology,
> > the better."  The opportunity that it highlights for HumanML is the need
> to
> > specify the meanings of "dignity" and "decency" -- particularly with
> > reference to how humans apply and are affected by the use of technology.
> >
> > The article is available at
> > http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A53733-2001Oct25.html
> >
> > Owen Ambur, Co-Chair
> > XML Working Group
> > http://xml.gov/
> >
> >
>