Ethics lect 9

Chapter 5: The Social and Value Dimensions of Technology

Technology's Influence on Society

• Technology is deeply interconnected with social contexts, which means that it not only shapes societal behaviors and values but is also shaped by them. Technological advancements can lead to significant changes in social structures, norms, and expectations.

• Engineers must engage in critical assessment and reflection, weighing both the benefits and challenges posed by technological advancements. This includes understanding potential societal impacts, ethical dilemmas, and the long-term consequences of technology on human life and the environment.

Social Experiments in Engineering

• Engineering practices often lead to social experimentation wherein engineers must navigate and address various social and ethical dilemmas. Understanding the wider impact of engineering solutions on society is crucial in developing responsible technologies.

Becoming a Socially Conscious Engineer

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

• The ABET is an essential body that governs the accreditation of engineering schools in the United States. It requires institutions to produce graduates who can:

  1. Apply principles of math, science, and engineering in practical contexts.

  2. Design and conduct experiments while analyzing data effectively.

  3. Create systems that operate within several constraints, including economic, social, and ethical considerations.

  4. Function effectively in multidisciplinary teams, showcasing collaboration skills.

  5. Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems responsibly.

  6. Understand and engage with professional responsibilities and ethics.

  7. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

  8. Be aware of technology's global and societal impacts and the responsibilities that come with it.

  9. Commit to life-long learning, recognizing continual growth in expertise is essential.

  10. Stay informed on contemporary issues affecting engineering.

  11. Proficiently use modern engineering tools and methods applicable to the field.

Engineering Ethics Challenges

Dr. Wulf's Perspective

• According to Dr. Wulf, engineering challenges in the 21st century will increasingly revolve around macroethical issues rather than microethical ones. Examples of macroethical issues include:

  • The environmental impacts of technology, such as the management of ecosystems like the Everglades.

  • The health effects of technologies like nuclear power and concerns regarding widespread technology use, including cell phone radiation.

Philosophical Foundations of Technology

Definitions of Technology

• Technology can be defined in multiple ways:

  • As the process of making and using tools for specific purposes that enhance human capability.

  • The application of scientific knowledge for practical problem-solving and innovation.

  • A societal structure that comprises tools, infrastructure, and the cultural significance of those tools.

Technological Optimism vs. Pessimism

• Optimism: This perspective views technology as fundamentally beneficial, often highlighting how it liberates people from hardship and improves quality of life.

• Pessimism: This viewpoint emphasizes the potential risks technology poses, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and the erosion of privacy and individual freedoms.

• Philosophers like Martin Heidegger have critiqued technology, urging caution about its implications on human existence and societal values.

Responsible Engineering Practices

Designing for Sustainability

• Engineers should proactively aim to predict, design, and implement technologies that minimize negative outcomes. This includes adopting designs that prioritize renewable resources and pollution reduction as essential considerations in the development process.

Technological Determinism

• This concept suggests that technology develops independently of human control, raising important debates about agency and responsibility in engineering practice. Critics argue that this viewpoint may absolve engineers of their ethical responsibilities concerning technology use and societal impact.

The Collinridge Dilemma

• This dilemma explains how the rapid advancement of technology can outpace existing regulatory frameworks. As a result, unforeseen hazards may emerge, highlighting the importance of preemptive strategies. The Precautionary Principle advocates for proactive safety measures—engineers must foresee potential risks and act to prevent them.