When Technology and Humanity Cross PDF - Lesson 8

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to: ➔ examine human dignity in order to uphold it in technological ethical dilemmas ➔ analyze the effects of technological advancements to see their effects to the society ➔ evaluate contemporary human experience to understand more the present human pe...

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to: ➔ examine human dignity in order to uphold it in technological ethical dilemmas ➔ analyze the effects of technological advancements to see their effects to the society ➔ evaluate contemporary human experience to understand more the present human person functioning in society Human's Capacity: Technology and Its Role Human being is made in the image and likeness of God. The creator also gives humans as a role that makes us “co-creator” in the journey towards his ultimate plan. The idea of technology is rooted in the capacity of humans to do things out of our freedom as co-creators of the Creator in the pilgrimage of the creation. Technocratic Paradigm “ ✓ Pope Francis in his Encyclical letter Laudato Si ✓ Human's way of seeing the creation is no longer in the manner which the creator intends. ✓ Part of concept of technology is that nature can be modified for useful purposes. 4 ✓ Humanity now takes up technology in a “one dimensional paradigm... that exalts the concept of a subject who, using logical and rational procedures, progressively approaches and gains control over an external object”. ✓ Church has been critical to this culture. ✓ Enframes the resources as mere standing-reserve 5 The Impersonal Man: Effect of Technocratic Paradigm Modern anthropocentrism The value of work is part of the vocation of man. When humanity surrenders to the view of the technocratic paradigm as the way of seeing things 6 7  Yet it must also be recognized that nuclear energy, biotechnology, information technology, knowledge of our DNA, and many other abilities which we have acquired, have given us tremendous power. Those who have advanced knowledge to these technologies can have dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world. Never has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that these will be used wisely, particularly when we consider how they are currently being used. 8  There is a tendency to believe that every increase in power means an increase in progress itself, an advance in security, usefulness, welfare and vigor. But the contemporary man has not been trained to use power well. The immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and kindness. Power has been always associated as to respond from alleged utility and security. 9 The Globalization of the Technocratic Paradigm Man now is seen as the master of all and can manipulate all things through his creative capacity. Everything else is there to be possessed, mastered, and manipulated. What makes this problem more alarming is that man may even see other men as possessions and things that can be manipulated and controlled. 10 The North and the South: A Point for Reflection What makes the many of the Northern countries rich? What makes most of the Southern countries poor? How is human being treated in the north? How is their ecology? What about the south? How is man considered there? What about the environment? Does technology matter in these situations? 11 Reflections on How Humans may take and consider technology: (Readings) Sophia, the Robot The Amish Christians How should we see technology? 12 13 14 Ethics and Technology The role of ethics comes in the issue of the globalization and spread of the technocratic paradigm. Aristotle upheld moderation to avoid apathy and greed; courage to choose to live a good life over bad; and justice to consider others in order not to cause them pain and suffering. St. Augustine upheld to exercise freedom and creativity to help in the continued existence of the good that the Creator made. Pope Francis upholds each man’s sense of responsibility for all of humankind and the common home, which is the earth. 15 Disinterested Appreciation and Technology The spontaneity in doing arts should not be taken for granted, arts reveal the truth. The appreciation for what is aesthetically delightful also reminds inventors and those people who are in the pursuit of making new things, that being creative and making new things out of what are those available must not be out of personal interest but more on the delight of just beholding what is beautiful and what is good for all. 16 STS AND BALANCE Apollo and Dionysus Science, Technology, and Ethics Technology is a tool and science is the underlying principle use in it. Both should be used to achieve a better society and for all people to enjoy a good life. 17 Thanks! Any questions? 18