Prüfling A

You are to participate in a European Youth Parliament panel discussion focusing on benefits and dangers posed by scientific and technological progress. Comment on the cartoon. Together with your partner, discuss humans' responsibility in matters of scientific and technological progress. Plan your contribution to the panel discussion.

Prüfling B

You are to participate in a European Youth Parliament panel discussion focusing on benefits and dangers posed by scientific and technological progress. Comment on the cartoon. Together with your partner, discuss humans' responsibility in matters of scientific and technological progress. Plan your contribution to the panel discussion.

Note:
Please note that these solutions are only suggestions. There are various possibilities for argumentation. Prüfungsteilnehmer A

• In the cartoon you can see a father telling his son the good news that an asteroid is not going to destroy the earth.
• However, in the background of the cartoon you can see huge chimneys that are polluting the environment.
• On the left, you can see a huge pipe spilling over and on the right, it looks like there is a nuclear power plant.
• The fact that these things are destroying the earth is intensified by the caption "now for the bad news".

Prüfungsteilnehmer B

• The cartoon shows a doctor examining a patient who looks like a human–animal hybrid, suggesting an unnatural transformation.
• The patient has horns and goat-like features, implying that genetically modified food has physically altered him.
• The doctor’s question — “So, what is it about genetically-modified food that you’re having a problem with?” — is ironic because the patient’s appearance clearly shows the problem.
• The cartoon uses exaggeration to criticise GM food, implying that it could lead to extreme, unwanted physical changes.
• This reflects public fears and mistrust regarding genetically modified food, even if these fears may be scientifically unfounded.
• The humour lies in the doctor’s obliviousness — he ignores the obvious evidence in front of him.
• The cartoon suggests society should take concerns about GM food seriously and be cautious about potential consequences.
• Overall, the cartoon comments on the controversy surrounding GM food and highlights fears about its impact on natural biology.

Beide Prüfungsteilnehmer Humans’ responsibility in matters of scientific & technological progress

• Humans must ensure that scientific progress prioritises health, safety, and environmental protection.
• New technologies — e.g., GM foods or fossil-fuel exploitation — should be researched carefully before widespread use.
• There is a moral duty to prevent harm, especially when long-term effects are uncertain or irreversible.
• Responsible innovation requires transparency so society understands risks and benefits.
• Humans must balance innovation with ethical concerns, considering how decisions affect future generations.
• Scientists and corporations must be held accountable for environmental impacts, as shown by emissions damaging the planet in the second cartoon.
• Citizens must remain critical and informed rather than blindly accepting new technologies.
• International cooperation is needed to regulate and monitor technologies that affect the global environment.
• Ultimately, progress should serve the public good rather than only economic interests.

Contribution to the European Youth Parliament panel

• Introduction: Briefly acknowledge major developments (GM food, fossil fuels, AI, biotechnology).
• Benefit 1: Increased food production — GM crops can reduce hunger and improve nutrition.
• Benefit 2: Technological innovation raises living standards — medicine, transportation, communication.
• Benefit 3: Green technology offers solutions to climate change and resource scarcity.
• Danger 1: Possible health and ethical risks — e.g., GM food concerns, genetic modification.
• Danger 2: Environmental damage — fossil fuels causing emissions, habitat loss, global warming.
• Danger 3: Social inequality — access to new technologies may widen the gap between rich and poor.
• Key Argument: Progress must be accompanied by strong regulations, ethical guidelines, and sustainable planning.
• Propose Measures: Investment in research, global standards, environmental protections, education.
• Conclusion: Promote balanced development — embrace innovation while safeguarding health, environment, and society.