Moralizing Technology as an Approach to Ethics of Science and Technology

WANG Xiaowei

Journal of Renmin University of China ›› 2023, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (3) : 178-185.

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主管:教育部
主办:中国人民大学
ISSN 1000-5420  CN 11-1476/C
PDF(7019 KB)
Journal of Renmin University of China ›› 2023, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (3) : 178-185.

Moralizing Technology as an Approach to Ethics of Science and Technology

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Abstract

The “Moralizing Technology” theory proposed by the Dutch school scholars aims to persuade people to act by morality through designing, using, and promoting technological artifactsThis idea has gained its population in China and abroad but is also confronted by three main kinds of criticism: First, it may overempower engineers, leading to technocracy and depriving people of their freedomSecond, Moralizing Technology mainly examines the effects of individual technological artifacts and fails to address the sensibility of value embedded in technological systemsThird, the moralizing technology approach only considers the value sensitivity of technological artifacts when they are used, failing to examine how it is carried out in manufacturingThe view of reconsideration affirms the role of science and technology in promoting productive forces but remains cautious toward the alienation of science and technologyIt also places science and technology in the context of human liberationThe Marxian reconsideration view of science and technology helps meet previous challenges, deepens our understanding of moralizing technology, and expands its study from individual technological artifacts to technological systems and from consumption to the phase of productionCombining Marxs view with moralizing technology will further our understanding of the value sensitivity of science and technology crucial for ethical governance.

Key words

Reconsideration of Science and Technology / Marx / Moralizing technology / Ethics of Science and Technology


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WANG Xiaowei. Moralizing Technology as an Approach to Ethics of Science and Technology[J]. Journal of Renmin University of China, 2023, 37(3): 178-185
PDF(7019 KB)

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