9.1.3 Philosophical challenges arrising from development of technology Notes

Biotechnology: Ethical and Metaphysical Dilemmas

Genetic Engineering and Human Identity

1. Autonomy and Consent:
   1. Who decides which traits are desirable?
   2. How do we ensure informed consent, especially for future generations?
2. Equity and Access:
   1. Will genetic enhancements exacerbate social inequalities?
   2. Could they create a new class of "genetically privileged" individuals?
3. Human Nature and Identity:
   1. Does altering our genetic makeup change what it means to be human?
   2. Are we playing God by redesigning life itself?

Cloning and the Value of Life

1. Uniqueness and Individuality:
   1. Does cloning undermine the uniqueness of human beings?
2. Moral Status of Clones:
   1. Are clones entitled to the same rights as naturally born humans?
3. Instrumentalization of Life:
   1. Is it ethical to create life for specific purposes, such as organ harvesting?

Robotics: Autonomy and Responsibility

Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency

1. Autonomous Decision-Making:
   1. Can machines be truly autonomous, or are they always extensions of human will?
2. Moral Responsibility:
   1. Who is accountable for the actions of AI systems—the developers, users, or the machines themselves?
3. Consciousness and Personhood:
   1. Can AI ever possess consciousness or moral agency?
   2. If so, should they have rights?

The Impact on Employment and Society

1. Job Displacement:
   1. How should societies address the loss of jobs due to automation?
2. Economic Inequality:
   1. Will AI exacerbate wealth disparities by concentrating power in the hands of a few tech companies?
3. Social Isolation:
   1. As robots replace human interactions, what happens to our sense of community and connection?