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生きがい、スマート農業、そして人種差別:現代社会の複雑な課題」の英語長文問題

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The advent of smart agriculture has brought unprecedented advancements in food production, promising increased efficiency and sustainability. However, this technological revolution is not without its challenges. While some hail it as a solution to global food security, others raise concerns about its impact on rural communities and the widening gap between the technologically advanced and the less fortunate. One such concern is the displacement of farmworkers. Automation, a cornerstone of smart agriculture, often replaces manual labor, leading to unemployment and economic hardship for those who rely on farming for their livelihoods. This displacement is particularly acute in developing nations where agriculture constitutes a significant portion of the economy and where access to education and alternative job opportunities is limited. The resulting social unrest and economic inequality can exacerbate existing societal problems, such as poverty and crime. Furthermore, the digital divide plays a significant role in shaping the impact of smart agriculture. Access to technology, training, and infrastructure varies drastically across regions and social groups. Farmers in developed nations often benefit from government support and readily available resources, while their counterparts in less developed countries struggle with limited access to technology and expertise. This disparity can reinforce pre-existing inequalities and lead to a further marginalization of already vulnerable populations. Beyond economic considerations, the ethical dimensions of smart agriculture must be addressed. Questions concerning data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias raise concerns about the equitable distribution of benefits and the potential for discrimination. For instance, if algorithms used in smart agriculture are trained on data that reflects existing societal biases, they might inadvertently perpetuate and even amplify those biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in access to resources and opportunities. In this complex interplay of technological advancement and social equity, it is crucial to consider the human element. The pursuit of efficiency and productivity should not come at the cost of human dignity and well-being. Finding a sustainable and equitable path forward requires a nuanced understanding of the social, economic, and ethical implications of smart agriculture, along with proactive measures to mitigate potential negative consequences and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared broadly and fairly.

1. What is a major concern regarding the displacement of farmworkers due to smart agriculture?

2. How does the digital divide affect the impact of smart agriculture?

3. What ethical concerns are raised regarding the use of algorithms in smart agriculture?

4. What is the central message of the passage regarding the implementation of smart agriculture?