Shrader-Frechette

Shrader-Frechette, K. (2003). Technology and Ethics. In R. C. Scharff & V. Dusek (Eds.), Philosophy of Technology: The Technological Condition (pp. 187-190). Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Current ethical systems must adapt to new technological changes. Technologists suggest risk should be quantitatively based on statistics, but the alternate view suggests that risk should be seen qualitatively and argue that there can be no equitable compensation for death or illness. It is difficult to proactively assess risk and very difficult to educate those who may be exposed to the risks. Workers may not be able to give adequately informed consent to the risks they face in the workplace.

On page 187, the author states, “Since all policymakers evaluate virtually all technologies, at least in part, by methods such as benefit-cost or benefit-risk analysis…” In this country it does not seem that we have that much control as a society over new technological development; it seems to grow and spread until it is replaced or becomes ubiquitous. If there are problems with the technological development, then policymakers try to limit the effects through legislation and use lawsuits and legislation to control the societal effects of technology. I am also unsure if policy makers are reading the philosophers that are “investigating the ethical constraints.” Policymakers seem to work reactively rather than proactively and with lessened result.