General Paper Flashcards

What is 'multiculturalism' as debated in General Paper contexts?

Answer: A policy of recognising and respecting cultural diversity within a society, valuing multiple cultural identities alongside a shared civic identity

Multiculturalism debates whether diverse societies can maintain cohesion while preserving distinct cultural identities — Singapore balances ethnic recognition (CMIO) with national identity (Singaporean first).

What is the 'surveillance state' concern regarding technology?

Answer: The risk that governments use pervasive digital surveillance to monitor citizens, potentially suppressing dissent and eroding privacy

The surveillance state concern is that governments (and corporations) use facial recognition, data tracking, and AI monitoring to control populations — balancing security benefits against the erosion of civil liberties and privacy.

What does 'green economy' mean?

Answer: An economy that prioritises low carbon, resource efficiency, and social inclusion to drive growth while protecting the environment

A green economy achieves growth and development while reducing environmental risks, maintaining natural systems, and ensuring social equity — transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy and circular systems.

What is the significance of international organisations like WHO, WTO, and IMF in global governance?

Answer: They coordinate global responses to issues that cross national borders — health, trade, and finance — that no single country can solve alone

International organisations like WHO (health), WTO (trade), and IMF (finance) address global challenges requiring multilateral cooperation — pandemics, trade disputes, financial crises — reflecting the interdependence of modern economies.

What is the argument that the internet has democratised information?

Answer: The internet gives anyone with access the ability to publish and consume information, breaking down traditional gatekeepers like major media corporations

The internet has democratised information by enabling anyone to publish, access, and share information globally, reducing the power of traditional media gatekeepers — though this also enables misinformation.

What is 'artificial intelligence' and one key ethical concern it raises?

Answer: AI is the simulation of human intelligence by machines; ethical concerns include job displacement, bias in algorithms, privacy, and autonomous weapons

AI refers to machines simulating human cognitive functions. Ethical concerns include: algorithmic bias (discriminatory outcomes), job displacement, privacy violations, autonomous weapons, and the concentration of power in tech companies.