MONT 105S Computer Science of Graphics and Games

    College of the Holy Cross, Spring 2009

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    Assignment 10

    Due: Friday, February 27, in class


    Writing/Discussion topic: Facial attractiveness

    Read the following article:

    Quill, Elizabeth (2009) It's written all over your face, Science News, 175: 24 - 28.

    Note: We will return to this article when we discuss the common reading, "Truth and Beauty: A friendship," by Ann Patchett. So please read it carefully.

    Answer the following questions. Write at least 1/2 page, typed and double spaced, for each question. Support your arguments with references to the reading. (You may also use sources other than the reading, as long as you cite them properly).

    The article discusses how scientists are identifying facial qualities that appear to determine how attractive a person appears to others. The scientists doing these experiments are able to use computers to alter the images of real faces to make them more or less attractive. This computer technology could be used to alter how people present themselves online or in other media.

    a) Give a reasoned argument that the technology to alter one's appearance online to make oneself more attractive can help people establish more satisfying social relationships.

    b) Give a reasoned argument that the technology to alter one's appearance online to make oneself more attractive is detrimental to social relationships.

    c) Is it ethical for a professional or politician to digitally alter images of themselves that appear online so that people react more positively to that image?


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    Constance Royden--croyden@mathcs.holycross.edu
    MONT 105S, Graphics and Games
    Date Created: January 26, 2008
    Last Modified: February 21, 2009
    Page Expires: January 13, 2010