GEC 7 : SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Module 8: When Technology and Humanity Cross
Overview
The good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens have the freedom to
flourish. The human person has the autonomy to make choices which may enable the flourishing of
his/her self and society. As implied, everyone has absolute moral worth by virtue of being human.`
Human dignity is an ultimate core value of our existence. When we fully recognize and appreciate
this truth in ourselves and in all the persons around us, regardless of their status in life, then we pave
the way for a just and progressive society. It is in this kind of society that we are able to become fully
human – more free, more rational, and more loving. Human beings become more free when we are
empowered to make choices for our flourishing.
We become more rational when we are able to value and apply the principles of logic and science in
our lives. We become more loving when we ensure that human dignity lies at the foundation of our
endeavors, whether scientific or not. It entails knowing one’s fundamental human rights that must
always be protected in the face of changing conditions.
Modules Contents
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – is a historic document that was adopted by
the United Nations General Assembly at its third session on December 10, 1948 as Resolution 217 at
the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France. Of the 58 members of the United Nations, 48 voted in favor, none
against, eight abstained, and two did not vote.
The UDHR consist of the first seven articles, considered as a “ milestone document in the history
of human rights” . They are as follows:
ARTICLE I
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
ARTICLE II
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration,
without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property , birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on
the basis origin, property, birth or other status, Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis
of the political ,jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person
belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non- self- governing or under any other limitation of
sovereignty.
ARTICLE III
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
ARTICLE IV
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms.
ARTICLE V
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
ARTICLE VI
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
ARTICLE VII
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of
this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has a long, blood history. Bb Crafted
in 1948, after World War II, the UDHR now serves as a common understanding of what each
person’s fundamental rights are. These rights apply to everyone, everywhere. It is imperative that
we all know and live these rights to prevent injustice and oppression.
HUMANS VS. ROBOTS
The rise of the machines accompanying the progress in science and technology
may render humans useless. Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machinery. Computers
become more and more sophisticated. Robots usually designed like human beings, are created to
perform complex, repetitive, or dangerous tasks. With the development of artificial intelligence ( AI),
robots may also eventually act and decide like humans. In the Philippines that machines adopt the
nature of humans, there is a need to reflect on the ethical problems posed by such development.
Currently, robots are better than humans at a number of things. Machines can perceive
beyond the human visual spectrum, they need a smaller mass of consumables (e.g.,food), they are
more expendable, and they can be built to better tolerate environmental extremes (e.g. cold and
radiation).
As technology advances, more business will likely adopt fast-paced robots that can
maximize output and potentially displace humans worker altogether.
The development of society along with science and technology gives rise to more and more
complex issues. What is vital is that, at the very least, we are able to protect and exercise human
rights for everyone in our pursuit of the good life. It is important that amid these developments,
human beings become more free, more rational, and more loving in our practice of science and
technology.
As we examine contemporary issues in science and technology – information, genetically
modified organisms, nanotechnology, and climate change – we keep in mind that the building of a just
and progressive society entails the constant practice of the good. It may be exhibited in exceptional
scientific methodologies, personal virtue, social responsibility, and global concern.
WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US
“Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us” is an article written by Bill Joy ( then Chief Scientist at
Sun Microsystems) in the April 2000 issue of Wired magazine. While some critics have characterized
Joy's stance as obscurantism or neo-Luddism, others share his concerns about the consequences of
rapid expanding n technology.
He argues that “our most powerful 21st -century technologies – robotics, genetic
engineering, and nanotechnology are threatening to make humans an endangered species”. He also
argues that human beings face the realistic possibility of extinction because of competition from
intelligent robots, which are made possible by technological advancements.
Human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind,
our rationality, and our science and technology become manifest. It we are not able to rein in the
vanity and arrogance that much powers unleash, then we are on the way to destroying the world.
Questions for Reflection
1. How does science and technology affect contemporary life and vice versa?
2. How do we protect our human rights in the face of technological advancements and ethical
dilemmas?
3. Do you believe that Google makes people stupid? Cite at least three examples to support
your assertion.
4. Read the entirey of Joy’s article. Why doesn’t the future need us?
Supplemental Activity
1. Work in pairs. Search for national policies or laws that address the ethical and moral concerns
in the technological era.
References
McNamara, DJ., Valverde, V.M., and Beleno, R. III. (2018). Science, Technology and Society,
Philippines. C & E Publishing House, Inc.
Video Clips/Slides. The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the Case Against Scientism.
