Part 2 Ethics and Technology

Objectives 1. Examine the relationship between ethics and technology. 2. Describe science or technology based ethical issues and conflicts. 3. Define technology. 4. Discuss different ways that technology can create a positive impact on society.

Ethics Ethics is a general term used to describe the study and evaluation of human conduct in the light of moral principles (bartleby.com). Three kinds of ethical issues faced by practicing engineers: 1. Distributive Justice: Should an engineer proceed with a feasible project that is likely to expose people to a non trivial degree of risk to their safety, health, or property. For example, should an engineering company accept a contract to erect a hydro electric dam in a geologically unstable area near a rural village?

Ethics 2. Whistle-Blowing: Engineers or scientists may become aware of deliberate actions or negligence on the part of their colleagues or employers that may pose a threat to public interest (public safety, public money, etc.) At Morton Thiocol Inc. (MTI) several engineers working on the Challenger Space Shuttle booster project tried to convince management that a January 1986 launch should not be authorized since an O ring seal on the booster rocket had not been tested at the unusually cold temperature prevailing on the day of the tragedy. The company and NASA authorized the launch. Engineers that have gone public have got little legal protection against employer retaliation.

Ethics 3. Consideration of Long Term Effects: Engineers focus on designing, producing, or installing equipment without considering the long term effects.

Problems of Communication Ethical issues faced by technical practitioners: 1. Fraud: Falsification of data may come from a desire for fame and recognition, job security and promotion belief in a theory, and laziness. 2. Misrepresentation: Failure to credit deserving contributors and/or over crediting undeserving contributors.

Ethics and Technology Technology is a collection of methods and artifacts created by human beings to increase their control over the environment in which they operate. When the automobile was first introduced, a hundred years ago, it was hailed as a solution to the transportation problem and as a defense against growing pollution of horse dung. With horses, used for transportation, came horse dung, and it was everywhere (hundred years ago). Yet today, we view the automobile as a chief (air) pollution source. Again and again we see in the industrialized world the adoption of a technology that results in future problems.

The Unanticipated Consequences of Technology Consequences may be: 1. Anticipated: Intended and desired; or not desired, but common or probable; or not desired and improbable. 2. Unanticipated: Desirable or undesirable. Example: A nuclear power plant near a ocean. Anticipated and good consequence is the production of electric power. An undesired but expected consequence is the heating of water near the power plant. An unforeseen and undesirable consequence may be the evolution of a new species of predator fish in the warmed ocean water, which destroys existing desired species.

The Unanticipated Consequences of Technology Why do we have unintended consequences: Because of: complexity, dynamics, or ignorance or mistaken hypothesis. Example: The Internet, a dynamic system with no one in charge. One unintended result is junk email.

The Unanticipated Consequences of Technology Example: Microwave oven 1. Took food preparation out of the home and into an automated factory. 2. Made cooking a matter of choice, not of necessity. 3. Made the dining table outmoded as each member of the family can individually heat up his or her own meal, when they require it.

Genetically Modified Food About 75% of processed food that is produced on the United States contains some genetically modified (GM) ingredients (for about a decade). Over 80% of the soybeans and 40% of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. Genetically modified crops have increased agricultural production and productivity.

Conclusion Technology allows us to transport people more quickly, communicate in various formats (phone, email, etc.), warm up our food rapidly in a microwave, and access stored data efficiently (computer). How does our moral development affect our ethical decision making? The goal of part 2 is for you to evaluate your role in utilizing technology, and the ethical choices you make in using technology.

Home Work 1. Name the 3 kinds of ethical issues faced by practicing engineers? 2. What is technology? 3. Explain with an example– “Again and again we see in the industrialized world the adoption of a technology that results in future problems”. 4. What is the advantage of genetically modified crops?