A Short Guide To Technology Ethics Perspectives

Technology is deeply integrated into our lives, shaping how we communicate, work, and navigate the world. With its rapid advancement, ethical considerations surrounding its use have become increasingly important. This article will delve into various technology ethics perspectives, exploring the key issues and viewpoints that shape our understanding of the ethical implications of technology.

1. Utilitarianism: The Greater Good

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds that the moral worth of an action is determined by its contribution to overall happiness or the well-being of the majority. From a utilitarian perspective, technology should be assessed based on the net benefits it provides to society. A utilitarian might argue that if a technological development benefits more people than it harms, then it is ethically justified.

2. Deontological Ethics: Duty and Rights

Deontological ethics focuses on moral duties and rights, rather than simply the consequences of actions. Advocates of this perspective argue that certain moral principles should guide our use of technology, regardless of the outcomes. For instance, they might prioritize individual rights, privacy, and autonomy, emphasizing the importance of respecting these values when designing and using technology.

Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics (Perspectives)

by Stephanie Hare (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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3. Virtue Ethics: Character and Ethical Behavior

Virtue ethics is centered around the development of moral character and emphasizes how individuals should strive to be good people. From a virtue ethics perspective, technology should align with and promote virtuous behavior. This means that technology should foster positive character traits and promote human well-being instead of enabling harmful behavior.

4. Feminist Ethics: Gender Bias and Inclusivity

Feminist ethics examines the impact of technology on gender equality and power dynamics. This perspective highlights the need to address gender biases and ensure inclusivity in technology design and use. Feminist scholars argue that technology should be developed with an awareness of gender issues, aiming for equality and empowerment for all individuals.

5. Postmodern Ethics: Discourse and Power Structures

Postmodern ethics explores how power structures and societal discourses shape ethical considerations. This perspective challenges the notion of a single, universal moral truth, emphasizing the importance of diverse viewpoints and challenging dominant narratives. Postmodernists argue for a more inclusive and democratic approach to technology ethics, questioning the power dynamics inherent in technological advancements.

Understanding the various perspectives on technology ethics is crucial for making informed decisions about its design, use, and regulation. While these perspectives provide frameworks for ethical analysis, real-world ethical dilemmas often involve a complex interplay of multiple viewpoints. By considering these perspectives, we can work towards developing technologies that align with our shared values and promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics (Perspectives)

by Stephanie Hare (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages

FREE

It seems that just about every new technology that we bring to bear on improving our lives brings with it some downside, side effect or unintended consequence. These issues can pose very real and growing ethical problems for all of us. For example, automated facial recognition can make life easier and safer for us – but it also poses huge issues with regard to privacy, ownership of data and even identity theft. How do we understand and frame these debates, and work out strategies at personal and governmental levels? Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics addresses one of today’s most pressing problems: how to create and use tools and technologies to maximize benefits and minimize harms? Drawing on the author’s experience as a technologist, political risk analyst and historian, the book offers a practical and cross-disciplinary approach that will inspire anyone creating, investing in or regulating technology, and it will empower all readers to better hold technology to account.