Insights from Moralizing Technology on the Ethics of Contemporary Science and Technology

Abstract

The concept of moralizing technology within the Dutch School has gained increasing attention in technology philosophy and applied ethics, thus making it of crucial significance to further explore its implications in the context of science and technology ethics. Moralizing technology refers to the embedment of values into technology and the application of moral principles in the design and use of technology. This concept has led to some misunderstandings within the academic circle. Therefore, it remains of vital importance to clarify its core principles and implications. More specifically, it is important to note that moralizing technology should not be mistaken for the alienation of morality, nor does it deprive the subjectivity of human beings. In addition, moralizing technology does not involve the study of moral philosophy in the strict sense. On the contrary, it comprises two main aspects: the descriptive and practical aspects. The descriptive aspect of moralizing technology theory draws directly from the relational ontology perspective within post-phenomenology, while the practical aspect of the theory can be regarded as the applied ethics outcomes derived from the aforementioned ontological perspective. As a concept within science and technology ethics, moralizing technology embraces the theory of the coconstruction of humans and technology. Furthermore, it maintains a sensitivity to the embedded value attributes of the technology. The theory considers ethics as a constituting element of scientific and technological practice and thus contributes to the active development of technology products that align with ethical expectations. Moreover, moralizing technology emphasizes the significance of cultivating citizens’ scientific and technological literacy, aiming to encourage diverse stakeholders to actively participate in activities concerning technology.

Key words： ethics of science and technology, moralizing technology, alienation, humantechnology co-constructive