Modernizing Ethics for Evolving Technology
When Jonas wrote, “Technology and Responsibility: Reflections on the New Tasks of Ethics,” in the 1970s, he did not discuss anything about computers. In fact, during this time, computers were rare as only large companies owned them. When you consider how much computers have evolved over the past 40+ years, it is interesting how applicable Jonas’ essay about ethics and technology was. Jonas wrote this essay with one deep question in mind, whether technology affected us at such a deep level that we would have to change our ethical reasoning behind it. He talked about various details that he believed should change. He had specific ideals that really got the reader thinking about the future. One of the main things he talked about was whether we should change our ethical reasons as technology got more advanced. The reason why he asked this was because he explains that every generation receives the framework and ethics that was left from the previous generation. Going over the same rules all the time may not be necessary. Some examples of the guidelines and ethics that Jonas says that were handed down to us are “Love thy neighbor as thyself”; “Do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you”; “Instruct your child in the way of truth”; “Strive for excellence by developing and actualizing the best potentialities of your being qua man”; “Subordinate your individual good to the common good”; “Never treat your fellow man as a means only but always also as an end in himself” – and so on (Jonas, 36). These are all ethics that Jonas talks about that were handed down during his time. Mainly what these quotes bring up is Italianism and continism. Jonas says that these quotes are not necessarily bad or good in today’s society, but when it comes to technology, these ethical quotes may become obsolete in the technical world. Ultimately, Jonas’ essay engages the reader to think deep and wonder what the future might hold.
Dtouey. (2017, march 16). Hans Jonas’ ”Technology and Responsibility” YouTube