With new technologies emerging there are new ethical dilemmas that emerge. Technology has already bent rules in the name of profit and technological advancement. For example, Facebook has the ability to access anyone’s personal profile at any time to make their site more successful. We talked in class how companies advertise using the information they collect from our computers.
However, it is almost impossible to control everything that goes on the internet. Some of the material on the web includes violent rhetoric that could lead to danger or the breaking of laws. But to limit free speech may also be a violation of laws and ethics. Ultimately, there is no definitive way to handle the problem with ethics as developments in technology emerge, but I think there are general principles the masses should consider as we form society around technology. Although centuries old, Aristotle’s theories of virtue and ethics may actually be the philosophy that applies best to today’s world.
The reason Aristotle’s view works for me is it deals with the concept of self-reflection of one’s place in society and self-improvement rather than trying to fix society’s problems in one fowl swoop. “According to virtue ethics, there are certain ideals, such as excellence or dedication to the common good, toward which we should strive and which allow the full development of our humanity. These ideals are discovered through thoughtful reflection on what we as human beings have the potential to become” (Ethics and Virtue). Thoughtful self-reflection is important to evaluate identity and realistic ways to improve yourself and society.
Sometimes with the intense pace technology is developing, people forget to put it into perspective and actually consider what impact the technology will have on society. By looking at one’s own place in the world and considering the common good, we may not be able to slow down the impact of technology or the consumerism involved, but at least we can be mindful of the consequences associated with an increase in technology. I think these journals are making everyone in the class do that this semester.
Valasquez, Manuel, Andre, Claire, Shanks, Thomas, and Meyer, Michael J. “Ethics and Virtue.” Issues in Ethics V1 N3. 1998.
I think you make a really good point in this journal! With every new 'thing' or invention that makes its way into the world, come the need for new ethics. We definitely need to look into the ways that technology is changing the ethics of society!
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