How fast is too fast?

The automobile of advancement is speeding through time. Developmental breakthroughs have brought upon greater levels of innovation and relief than ever before, and this continues to progress with each passing day. Advances in technology and discovery have propelled humanity across the globe as the quality of newness flourishes. But as researchers race through revolutionary findings, one must consider the foundational road they traverse upon and whether it is moving at the same pace. As with great power comes great responsibility, exploration demands the establishment of proper ethical practices.

In his writings on subpar ethical responses to technological revolutions, Moor (2005) warns of rapid changes in the present and argues for an improvement of ethical action. He describes the revolution’s stages and accentuates the unambiguous changes in both the technology itself and user culture, indicating entry into the advanced power stage across several scientific and industrial fields. He projects the explosive growth of genetic technology, neurotechnology, and nanotechnology due to their malleability and potential for convergence. The significance of these emerging technologies and their ability for social impact is accompanied by a tsunami of ethical issues, prompting Moor to suggest solutions. He compares ethics and technology as evolving fields, and suggests slowing technological development until ethics has caught up and exercising caution when traversing unfamiliar territory in both regards. Moor mirrors the caution of Norbert Wiener, who criticized the one-dimensional power complex of technological advancers who sought higher levels of achievement without considering the ramifications of automation (Hill, 2014). This matter could be avoided through a multi-faceted approach to the revolution across disciplines, and the further development of ethical analyses.

President Jimmy Carter once stated, "We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles" (Carter, 1999). Researchers, developers, and inventors all seek to change the world and enhance the human experience through their efforts. While the purpose of their pursuits may be noble, the morality of their means must also be considered. It is the duty of technological pioneers to proactively acknowledge the potential consequences of their work and to renew their intentions towards integrity rather than injury. As technology rushes towards a rising status, it becomes necessary to reflect on one’s speed, tap the brakes, and ensure the path of ethics always lies underneath.

References

Carter, J. (1999). Presidential medal of freedom. National Millennium Time Capsule. Retrieved from https://clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov/Initiatives/Millennium/capsule/carter.html

Hill, D. (2014, Jun. 11). The eccentric genius whose time may have finally come (again). The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/06/norbert-wiener-the-eccentric-genius-whose-time-may-have-finally-come-again/372607/

Moor, J.H. (2005). Why we need better ethics for emerging technologies. Ethics and Information Technology, 7. Retrieved from https://crown.ucsc.edu/academics/pdf-docs/moor-article.pdf