Technology and Ethics

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Technology and Ethics

Abstract

This will comprise two parts : first , a basic discussion of ethics and technology , surrounding the important ideals of independence democracy and decentralization . The seminal work of Murray Bookchin will be discussed , as well as the more contemporary work of Jerry Mander . The second part will be a brief model syllabus concerning a five-day seminar on ethics and technology from five points of view : information technology , health care , privacy , psychiatry and weaponry . Hence , the basic issues of ethics and technology concern their impact

on the ability of human beings to map out their own lives . From this , derives all the other goods in society

I . Issues in Technology and Ethics While there is a robust debate in American society over the relation between technology and such ethical issues as democracy , localism and the environment , the introduction of technologies admits of no debate Jerry Mander writes , It is a melancholy fact that in our society the first waves of s about new technologies invariably come from the corporations and scientists who invent and market these technologies and who have much to gain by our accepting a positive view (Mander 1996 , 345 . This is a central point : the basic issue is that the introduction of new technologies is far removed from any real democratic discussion . Such discussion always occurs in a sterile environment always after the fact

For example , the development and mass production of the automobile was hailed almost universally...