An approachable introduction to the philosophical study of ethical dilemmas in technology
In the Technology Age, innovations in medical, communications, and weapons technologies have given rise to many new ethical questions: Are technologies always value-neutral tools? Are human values and human prejudices sometimes embedded in technologies? Should we merge with the technologies we use? Is it ethical to use autonomous weapons systems in warfare? What should a self-driving car do if it detects an unavoidable crash? Can robots have morally relevant properties?
This is Technology Ethics: An Introduction provides an accessible overview of the sub-field of philosophy that focuses on the ethical implications of new technologies. Requiring no previous background in the subject, this reader-friendly volume explores ethical questions concerning artificial intelligence, robots, self-driving cars, brain implants, social media and communication technologies, and more. Throughout the book, clear and engaging chapters describe and discuss key discussions, issues, and themes while inviting readers to develop their own perspectives on a wide range of moral and ethical questions.
- Discusses how various technologies influence and shape individuals and society both positively and negatively
- Illustrates how emerging technologies affect traditional ideas about ethics and human self-understanding
- Addresses the ethical complications of creating technologies that may lead to morally problematic consequences
- Considers if the benefits of new technologies outweigh potential drawbacks, such as how people interact online through social media
- Explores how established moral and ethical theories relate to new questions concerning advanced technologies
Part of the popular This is Philosophy series published by Wiley-Blackwell, This is Technology Ethics: An Introduction is a must-read for undergraduate students taking a Technology Ethics course, researchers in the field, engineers, technology professionals, and general readers looking to learn more about the topic.
About the Author :
SVEN NYHOLM is Professor of the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, a member of the Ethics Advisory Board of the Human Brain Project, and an Associate Editor of Science and Engineering Ethics. He is the author of Humans and Robots: Ethics, Agency, and Anthropomorphism and Revisiting Kant's Universal Law and Humanity Formulas.
Review :
"Overall, This is Technology Ethics: An Introduction is well written, philosophically engaging, thought provoking, and timely--considering our society is in the midst of working out the ethical implications surrounding emerging technologies. This book will be of benefit to instructors teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in technology ethics or introductory ethics courses that want to incorporate technology ethics into the curriculum. Reading the entire book has academic merit and is a fascinating read, but you could also choose to only read certain chapters. This is a testament to the well-organized structure of the book. Finally, footnotes in philosophy books tend to be exclusively concerned with written material. Nyholm extends the content of his foot-notes by pointing readers to podcasts and videos that are sure to be useful for students, instructors, and those that want to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of technology ethics." (AI and Ethics, 2023).
"This Is Technology Ethics is an engaging and enjoyable introduction for anyone who is interested in the ethical implications of advancing technologies. It brings a helpful level of structure to a field of philosophy that is still in the process of being developed. Nyholm's clear language and use of real and fictional examples make the book accessible to a wide audience, as well as a valuable addition to Wiley's 'This Is Philosophy' series." (Journal of Applied Philosophy, 2023).
