Moralizing Technology and the ethics of things | Peter-Paul Verbeek | TEDxTwenteU

Summary

The speaker explores the concept of 'ethics of things,' challenging the notion that ethics are solely human. Drawing on Hans Jonas's work, they argue for embedding ethical considerations in technology to alleviate human moral burdens. Critiquing the overemphasis on autonomy, they suggest a more humble view of humanity, influenced by Freudian thought, to better integrate technology into our ethical frameworks. The talk advocates for a design approach that acknowledges technology's role in shaping behavior and ethics, encouraging the 'moralization of technology' for a more nuanced understanding of human-technology interaction.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The concept of ethics in things challenges the traditional view that ethics is a human domain because things, unlike humans, lack freedom and intentions.
• 🚀 Hans Arens proposed 'moralization of devices', suggesting that technology could take on some ethical responsibilities, like slowing cars in foggy conditions, to reduce the burden on humans.
• 🛠️ There's resistance to the idea of embedding ethics in technology, with critics fearing a loss of human autonomy and an increase in technocracy.
• 🌐 The speaker argues that the focus on autonomy as the central ethical concern is limiting and that we should consider a broader view of ethics in technology.
• 📈 Persuasive technology and nudging are current approaches to ethical design, aiming to influence behavior while maintaining transparency and freedom of choice.
• 🔄 Freud's ideas on narcissism are used to suggest that technology could be the 'fourth blow' to human self-importance, prompting a more humble view of our autonomy.
• 🔑 The 'morality of things' is evident in everyday technologies like coin locks on shopping carts, which embody norms and values.
• 💊 The contraceptive pill is highlighted as a technology that has profoundly influenced moral decisions and societal views on sexuality and reproduction.
• 🧠 Don Ihde's postphenomenological approach views technology not as separate from humans but as a medium that shapes our experiences and actions.
• 🛠️ Designing technology with ethics in mind is not just about permission but about how to positively shape the influence technology has on human behavior.
• 🌟 Michel Foucault's concept of 'Technologies of the Self' is introduced as a way to think about ethics as an internal practice of shaping oneself through interaction with technology.

Q & A

What is the central idea of the script?

The central idea of the script is the 'ethics of things,' which explores the possibility that objects and technologies can embody ethical values, influencing human behavior and decisions.

Why does the speaker argue that ethics can be embedded in things?

The speaker argues that ethics can be embedded in things because technologies shape human actions and decisions, often guiding behavior in ways that align with ethical principles, such as slowing down cars in fog or encouraging responsible use of water.

Who is Hans Arous, and what is his contribution to the discussion?

Hans Arous is the speaker's mentor who, in 1992, proposed the idea of 'moralization of devices,' advocating that some ethical responsibilities could be delegated to technologies, thus easing the constant pressure on humans to make moral choices.

What resistance did Hans Arous' ideas face, according to the speaker?

Hans Arous’ ideas faced resistance as people feared that embedding ethics in technology would lead to a technocracy where machines control human freedom, making humans subordinate to technology.

How does the concept of autonomy relate to the ethics of things?

Autonomy is traditionally seen as central to ethics, with the idea that humans should have freedom in making ethical decisions. However, the speaker suggests moving beyond autonomy, arguing that technology inevitably influences behavior and that ethics should focus on managing this influence productively.

What is nudging, and how is it related to the ethics of things?

Nudging is a concept where design choices subtly guide people's behavior, such as setting default options in devices. It relates to the ethics of things by demonstrating how small design decisions can influence ethical behavior without coercing individuals.

What are some examples of technologies influencing behavior provided in the script?

Examples include intelligent speed adaptation systems in cars, water-saving showerheads, speed bumps near schools, and the design of shaving devices for men and women, which reflect societal norms and influence user behavior.

How does the speaker suggest we approach the fear of losing autonomy to technology?

The speaker suggests that instead of fearing the loss of autonomy, we should embrace the idea that technology mediates our actions and behaviors. A more productive interaction with technology can help us shape ethical outcomes without feeling that technology overpowers human freedom.

What role does Michel Foucault's concept of power play in the ethics of things?

Michel Foucault’s concept of power is used to illustrate that ethics is not about rejecting power (or technological influence), but about interacting with it productively. Foucault's idea of 'Technologies of the Self' shows how people can shape their ethical behavior by engaging with the influences around them, including technologies.

What is the speaker's overall conclusion about the role of design in ethics?

The speaker concludes that designing technologies is inherently an ethical activity, as all designs influence human behavior. Rather than resisting this influence, designers should focus on fostering positive, ethical interactions between humans and technology, allowing people to shape their existence in relation to these mediations.