Technology, Society, and Culture
Technology, Society and Culture
Week 2, 7/14/2013 – 7/21/2013
Chapter 1.1.3 David Edgerton’s “The Shock of the Old: Production”
1.3: ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES
1.3.1: Philosophy and Human Values
IAN BARBOUR
In this selection taken from the author’s Gifford Lectures, philosopher Ian Barbour provides a concise primer on modern ethical theory stressing its application to issues involving technology. The two main schools of thought in ethical theory are: A. Consequentialist B. and Deontological.
He begins by discussing the leading consequentialist theory. A. Uutilitarianism, which holds that the production of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number” is the supreme moral principle. B. However, Barbour notes several important objections to this theory that undermine its plausibility as a sufficient principle for ethical evaluation and decision making. C. He goes on to contrast it with the deontological approach that emphasizes rights and obligations, noting that many moral philosophers believe that rights and duties can “trump” a generalized obligation to promote the greatest good. D. Barbour then explores the ideas of: a. Justice b. Equality c. and Freedom d. Briefly explaining how moral philosophers understand each of these important ethical concepts. e. In particular, he explains the Rawlsian idea of justice and how his concept of the “original position” supports a notion of equality under which inequalities may be allowed if they promote the welfare of the least advantaged members of society. f. Barbour concludes by identifying the positive and negative senses of freedom and argues that the kinds of freedom that are most important in a technological society are those that enable individuals to participate in decisions affecting their own lives.
UTILITARIANISM AND ITS CRITICS
Utilitarianism has been not only an important school of thought among philosophers, but also a major influence
Week 2, 7/14/2013 – 7/21/2013
Chapter 1.1.3 David Edgerton’s “The Shock of the Old: Production”
1.3: ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES
1.3.1: Philosophy and Human Values
IAN BARBOUR
In this selection taken from the author’s Gifford Lectures, philosopher Ian Barbour provides a concise primer on modern ethical theory stressing its application to issues involving technology. The two main schools of thought in ethical theory are: A. Consequentialist B. and Deontological.
He begins by discussing the leading consequentialist theory. A. Uutilitarianism, which holds that the production of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number” is the supreme moral principle. B. However, Barbour notes several important objections to this theory that undermine its plausibility as a sufficient principle for ethical evaluation and decision making. C. He goes on to contrast it with the deontological approach that emphasizes rights and obligations, noting that many moral philosophers believe that rights and duties can “trump” a generalized obligation to promote the greatest good. D. Barbour then explores the ideas of: a. Justice b. Equality c. and Freedom d. Briefly explaining how moral philosophers understand each of these important ethical concepts. e. In particular, he explains the Rawlsian idea of justice and how his concept of the “original position” supports a notion of equality under which inequalities may be allowed if they promote the welfare of the least advantaged members of society. f. Barbour concludes by identifying the positive and negative senses of freedom and argues that the kinds of freedom that are most important in a technological society are those that enable individuals to participate in decisions affecting their own lives.
UTILITARIANISM AND ITS CRITICS
Utilitarianism has been not only an important school of thought among philosophers, but also a major influence