Ethics in the age of technology | Juan Enriquez | TEDx SHORTS

Summary

In this TEDx Short, host Tosan Leonard explores the intersection of ethics and technology with scientist and entrepreneur Juan Enriquez. Enriquez challenges the traditional black-and-white view of ethics, highlighting how technological advancements blur moral lines, exemplified by the evolution of sex and conception. He urges for a more humble and less judgmental approach to ethics, advocating for intergenerational dialogue and understanding as we navigate the rapidly changing ethical landscape shaped by technology.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Technology is rapidly changing our norms and ethics, making what was once black and white now appear in shades of grey.
• 🤔 Juan Enriquez questions who teaches us ethics, suggesting it's a mix of holy books, parents, teachers, and even social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• 📚 The traditional ethics manual is described as boring and redundant, often stating the obvious and not adapting to the pace of technological change.
• 🔍 Enriquez emphasizes the need for a new approach in judging the past, considering how technology influences our ethical standards.
• 🚫 The concept of sex and conception being separate is highlighted as an example of how technology challenges traditional ethical norms.
• 👴🏻👵🏻 Enriquez uses a thought experiment involving grandparents to illustrate how drastically our understanding of sex and reproduction has changed.
• 🔮 He also speculates on future changes in sexual ethics, suggesting that what we consider ethical today might be seen as unethical in the future.
• 🧠 Enriquez calls for humility in judging the past and establishing ethical rules for the future, acknowledging that technology might lead us to different ethical conclusions.
• 🌱 He suggests that technology can change what is considered ethically acceptable, using the example of alternative meat production that could reduce the need for traditional meat consumption.
• 🌟 Enriquez concludes by advocating for a more generous and less judgmental approach to ethics, encouraging intergenerational dialogue and understanding.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Juan Enriquez's TEDx talk?

Juan Enriquez's TEDx talk focuses on the intersection of ethics and technology, and how technological advancements shape the moral norms of each generation.

What does Enriquez suggest is a common reaction to the ethics manual provided in new jobs?

Enriquez suggests that the ethics manual is often seen as a boring and black-and-white document that states what is right and wrong, which people should already know by the time they take the job.

Who does Enriquez ask the audience to consider as their ethical teachers?

Enriquez asks the audience to consider various sources as their ethical teachers, including holy books, parents, preachers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, the government, peers, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

How does Enriquez describe the impact of technology on the concept of ethics?

Enriquez describes the impact of technology on ethics as turning it from black and white to 'fifty shades of grey,' indicating that technology complicates the understanding of right and wrong.

What fundamental act of evolution does Enriquez discuss in the context of technological change?

Enriquez discusses the act of sex as the fundamental act of evolution and how technology has led to its redesign, allowing for sex without conception.

What thought experiment does Enriquez propose regarding the ethics of sex and conception?

Enriquez proposes a thought experiment where the audience imagines having a conversation about sex with their grandparents as 18-year-olds, discussing the modern concept of sex without conception, which would have been considered strange in the past.

How does Enriquez suggest we should approach establishing ethics for future generations?

Enriquez suggests that we should approach establishing ethics for future generations with humility, understanding that technology will continue to change what is considered allowable and that future generations may find our current practices unethical.

What alternative to traditional meat consumption does Enriquez mention as an example of technology driving ethical change?

Enriquez mentions the availability of meat alternatives created by technology, such as lab-grown meat, as an example of how technology can drive ethical change by providing options that do not require traditional animal slaughter.

What attitude does Enriquez advocate for when discussing ethics and technology?

Enriquez advocates for an attitude of ethical humility, generosity, and less judgment towards both the past and the future, as well as the importance of establishing civility in conversations about ethics.

What does Enriquez believe is the significance of building bridges and understanding different perspectives in ethical discussions?

Enriquez believes that building bridges and understanding different perspectives is crucial for navigating the collision between ethics and technology, helping to find the 'right arc of history' and fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.

How does Enriquez conclude his talk about the current era and the importance of patience and humility?

Enriquez concludes by expressing his belief that it is the best time to be alive, despite the challenges, and emphasizes the need for patience, humility, and outreach to build bridges and foster understanding in the face of rapid technological and ethical change.