ENGLISH MEBY

自動運転技術、文学批評、そしてオペラ:交差する可能性」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of autonomous driving, literary criticism, and opera accessibility might appear to share little common ground. However, a closer examination reveals intriguing points of intersection, particularly concerning the interplay between technology, human experience, and access to art. Autonomous driving technology, while promising increased efficiency and safety, raises complex ethical questions. Consider the "trolley problem," a thought experiment in ethics, which forces us to confront the difficult choices an autonomous vehicle might face in an unavoidable accident. This dilemma mirrors the moral ambiguities often explored in literature, where characters grapple with weighty decisions and unforeseen consequences. Literary criticism, with its focus on interpretation and analysis, provides tools to unpack these complex ethical landscapes presented by self-driving cars, offering frameworks for understanding and debating the moral implications of such technology. Opera, often considered an elitist art form, faces its own accessibility challenges. High ticket prices, specialized knowledge, and the perceived formality of the opera house can discourage attendance. However, advancements in technology, such as live-streaming and virtual reality, present exciting opportunities to overcome these barriers. Similar to the way autonomous vehicles aim to improve transportation access, these technological advancements can democratize opera appreciation, making it accessible to a wider audience. This parallels the way literary criticism itself acts as a bridge, allowing individuals to engage with complex literary works through analysis and interpretation. Furthermore, just as literary criticism helps us understand nuanced themes in literature, an understanding of the historical and social context of opera is crucial for appreciating its artistic merit. Ultimately, the convergence of these three areas – autonomous driving, literary criticism, and opera accessibility – highlights the power of technology and critical thinking to reshape our experiences and broaden access to both innovation and art. The ethical complexities embedded in self-driving car technology are mirrored in the moral quandaries often tackled by literature. Technological advances, similar to the role of literary criticism, seek to enhance the accessibility and appreciation of opera, bringing art to a broader audience.

1. According to the passage, what is a key ethical question raised by autonomous driving technology?

2. How does the passage connect literary criticism to the discussion of autonomous driving?

3. What is the main idea regarding opera accessibility in the passage?

4. What is the overall theme connecting autonomous driving, literary criticism, and opera accessibility?