Explanation of Lecture 7: When Technology and Humanity Cross

This lecture explores the intersection of technology and human life, particularly how
technological advancements impact human experiences, rights, and societal functions. Below is a
detailed breakdown of the learning outcomes:

1. Evaluating Contemporary Human Experience to Strengthen the Human Person in

Society

 This refers to analyzing how technology influences daily life, relationships, work, and
identity.
 For example, the rise of social media affects how people communicate and interact, while
automation in workplaces changes job opportunities and skills needed.
 The goal is to develop critical thinking and awareness to help individuals adapt and
maintain well-being in an evolving digital world.

2. Discussing the Importance of Human Rights in the Face of Changing Social Conditions
and Technological Development

 As technology evolves, it brings new challenges to human rights.

 Issues such as data privacy, surveillance, digital inequality, and cyberbullying highlight
the need for laws and ethical standards.
 This outcome emphasizes understanding and advocating for human dignity and freedom
in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital
platforms.

3. Identifying Laws or Policies That Protect Human Well-Being Amid Technological

Advancement and Ethical Dilemmas

 Governments implement laws and regulations to address the ethical challenges brought
by technology.
 Examples in the Philippines include:
o Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) – Protects personal data and ensures
privacy rights.
o Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) – Criminalizes online offenses
such as hacking, identity theft, and cyber libel.
o Consumer Act (RA 7394) – Protects consumers from online fraud and
misleading advertisements.
 Understanding these policies helps individuals make informed decisions and safeguards
their rights in the digital era.

Explanation of Concepts in Lecture 7: When Technology and Humanity Cross

This section focuses on key psychological, ethical, and legal aspects related to technology's
impact on human decision-making and society.
1. Personality Factors in Moral Decision-Making

 Moral decisions are influenced more by personality traits rather than intelligence or
understanding of ethical theories.
 Traits such as:
o Openness to change – Willingness to adapt to new ethical challenges.
o Anxiety – Concern for consequences in moral dilemmas.
o Self-control – Ability to regulate impulses and act ethically.
o Warmth & Liveliness – Compassion and engagement with others.
o Perfectionism – Striving for high ethical standards.
 This suggests that moral reasoning is more emotional and social rather than purely
logical.

2. Empathy-Based Personality Factors

 Empathy (the ability to understand and share others' feelings) plays a significant role in
moral decision-making
 People with high empathy are more likely to act ethically and consider the well-being of
others when making decisions.

3. The Good Life and a Just Society

 A "good life" means living in a society where people have the freedom to develop
themselves.
 Justice and progress are key in ensuring that everyone has opportunities to thrive.
 Technology should be used to enhance, not hinder, social justice and individual growth.

4. Human Autonomy and Flourishing

 Every person has the freedom (autonomy) to make choices.

 These choices impact not only personal development but also the progress of society.
 Ethical technology use should empower people to make positive contributions.

5. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – December 10, 1948

 The UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to establish
fundamental human rights.
 It serves as a global standard to protect human dignity, equality, and freedom.

6. UDHR as a Global Standard for Human Rights

 The UDHR sets the foundation for laws protecting individuals worldwide.
 It influences national policies, ensuring that technological advancements align with
ethical and human rights principles.
The UDHR Preamble states that every person has inherent dignity and equal rights simply
because they are human. This means that all people have moral worth, no matter their
background or status. These rights form the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in
society.

In the context of technology and humanity, this reminds us that technology should be used to
protect and respect human dignity, not to harm or exploit people.

Human Dignity – The Ultimate Core Value of Our Existence

 Human dignity means that every person has intrinsic worth and deserves respect.
 It is the foundation of all human rights, ethical values, and laws.
 Ensuring human dignity means protecting individual freedoms, equality, and well-
being.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

 A historic document adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

 Created to establish universal human rights that apply to all people, regardless of
nationality, race, or status.
 A response to the injustices of World War II, ensuring that human rights are recognized
and protected globally.

UDHR Explicates the Fundamental Human Rights in 30 Articles

 The UDHR consists of 30 articles that outline essential human rights.

 These rights cover freedom, equality, justice, and protection from harm.
 They set the foundation for international laws and national policies to uphold human
dignity.

UDHR Outlines Inalienable Human Rights Vital for the Good Life

 "Inalienable" means these rights cannot be taken away or denied.

 They include the right to life, liberty, security, education, and freedom of expression.
 These rights are necessary for individuals to live with dignity and contribute to society.

First Seven Articles of the UDHR as the "Milestone Document"

 The first seven articles establish fundamental human rights that shape modern legal and
ethical systems.
 These include:
1. Equality and dignity – All people are born free and equal.
2. Freedom from discrimination – No one should be denied rights based on race,
gender, or status.
3. Right to life, liberty, and security – Every person has the right to live safely and
freely.
 4. Freedom from slavery – No one shall be enslaved or exploited.
5. Freedom from torture – No one should suffer cruel or inhumane treatment.
6. Right to legal recognition – Everyone should be recognized and protected by
law.
7. Equality before the law – All people have the same legal rights and
protections.

Humans vs. Robots: The Impact of AI on Society

1. AI Robots Acting Like Humans

 AI (Artificial Intelligence) is improving quickly, and robots can now think, decide, and
act like humans in many ways.
 They can understand languages, recognize faces, and even make complex choices
without human help.
 This raises big questions: What makes humans special? Should AI have rights?

2. Ethical Issues with Human-Like AI

 If machines start behaving like people, we must think about the moral and ethical
problems this could cause.
 Some concerns include:
o Who is responsible if an AI makes a mistake?
o Can AI make fair and ethical decisions?
o Should AI be treated like humans if they act like us?
 Society needs to set rules to guide AI development.

3. AI’s Effect on Filipino BPO Workers

 In 2017, a study estimated that 1 million Filipino call center and BPO (Business
Process Outsourcing) workers could lose their jobs due to AI automation.
 AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants can now handle customer service tasks,
reducing the need for human workers.
 This creates a need for new job skills and government support to help workers
transition to other careers.

4. Other Ethical Issues with AI (Beyond Job Loss)

 Unemployment is just one problem—there are other concerns, such as:

o AI bias – AI can be unfair if trained on biased data.
o Privacy risks – AI collects and uses personal data.
o Military AI – AI-controlled weapons could be dangerous.
o Emotional effects – Too much reliance on AI might make human relationships
weaker.
  We need to balance progress with ethical responsibility.

Technology and Human Thinking

5. As AI Gets Smarter, Are Humans Getting Less Intelligent?

 The internet and AI make things easier, but they might also make people lazy.
 If we depend too much on AI for answers, we may lose our ability to think critically
and solve problems.
 We should use technology to help us, but not let it replace our thinking skills.

6. Nicolas Carr’s Idea in “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”

 In 2008, writer Nicolas Carr argued that the internet is changing how we think.
 People used to read deeply and think carefully, but now we skim and jump from one
topic to another.
 If we rely too much on Google, we might lose the ability to focus and analyze things
deeply.

Ethics in Science and Technology

7. Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

 Modern technology brings many benefits, but also new challenges.

 Some examples include:
o AI and data privacy – How can we protect personal information?
o Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – Are they safe for health and the
environment?
o Nanotechnology – Can tiny materials be used safely in medicine?
o Climate change – How can technology help stop global warming?
 These issues require careful ethical consideration.

8. The Role of Ethics in Science and Progress

 A fair and advanced society must ensure that science and technology are used for good.
 This means:
o Scientists must follow ethical rules in their research.
o People must act responsibly when using technology.
o Governments and companies should consider social impacts, not just profit.
o Global efforts should focus on solving big problems like climate change
Why the Future Does Not Need Us: Bill Joy’s Warning About Technology

1. Who is Bill Joy?

 Bill Joy is a computer scientist and business leader who helped develop modern
technology.
 Despite being a tech expert, he became worried about the dangers of advanced
technology.

2. His Essay (2000) – “Why the Future Does Not Need Us”

 In 2000, Joy wrote an article saying that new technologies like Genetics,
Nanotechnology, and Robotics (GNR) could be dangerous.
 He believed these technologies might replace humans or even make us extinct if we
don’t control them.
 For example:
o Robots might become smarter than humans and take over jobs or even
decision-making.
o Genetic engineering might change human nature in ways we can’t predict.
o Nanotechnology (tiny machines) could get out of control and cause harm.

3. People Accept Technology Without Questioning It

 Joy warned that people quickly accept new technology without thinking about the risks.
 If we keep using dangerous technology without control, we might create problems
that we can’t fix.
 For example, AI could replace too many jobs, or powerful new weapons could be
created.

4. Heidegger’s Idea: “We Must Question to Find the Right Path”

 Martin Heidegger, a philosopher, said that asking questions is the key to progress.
 Instead of blindly following technology, we should think deeply about its effects.
 This helps us find better ways to use technology without harming ourselves.

The Power and Dangers of Science and Technology

5. Science and Technology Show Human Intelligence

 Science and technology prove that humans are smart and creative.
 They allow us to discover new things, cure diseases, and improve life.
 But just because we can create something doesn’t mean we should—we must use
science responsibly.
6. Technology Can Be Used for Good or Bad

 Humans have used technology to help the world—like inventing medicine and fast
communication.
 But technology can also cause harm—like nuclear bombs or pollution.
 It is up to humans to use technology wisely.

7. Too Much Power Can Corrupt People

 When people gain too much power through technology, they might become greedy
and careless.
 If we only focus on making powerful inventions without thinking about the
consequences, we could create disasters instead of progress.
 Example: If we create super-intelligent robots without control, they might replace
humans entirely.

8. The Danger of Overconfidence in Science

 Joy warns that humans sometimes get too confident in their ability to control technology.
 If we don’t set limits, we might create inventions that cause more harm than good.
 History has shown that unchecked ambition can lead to wars, destruction, and
suffering.

Final Warning: Nietzsche’s Quote

“The wasteland grows; woe unto him who harbors the wasteland within.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche

 This means that as technology gets stronger, so do the dangers.

 The “wasteland” represents a world destroyed by uncontrolled technology.
 If humans let greed and arrogance guide them, they could create a future where they
are no longer needed—or even wiped out.

Conclusion

Bill Joy’s message is simple: We must control technology, not let it control us.

 If we think before we act, we can use technology to improve life instead of creating
dangerous problems.
 The future can still include humans—but only if we make smart and responsible
choices.