Ethical challenges for future technologists: The growing role of technology and the growing ethical responsibility of the technologist

Abstract

The 21st century is witnessing unprecedented automation in many areas of life. As a result, tasks previously undertaken by a person are now done by a machine. Humans who previously undertook these tasks brought particular views and approaches to each task. These or alternative views or approaches are now embodied in the machine. Rather than entirely removing humans from the process, however, replacement of human by machine has meant that the direct engagement of a person in a task has been replaced by the indirect engagement of the technologist who creates the machine. Among other things this has meant that the ethical responsibilities of the original human operator have devolved to the technologist. This raises questions of substantive ethics, and the responsibility of the technologist, including as "whistle-blower". This paper examines three areas of technology development which highlight the growing ethical responsibility of technologists: the automation of work; the mechanization of humans; and autonomous warfare. The three areas selected have implications today, even in an early stage of development. Soon the responsibilities these technologies engender will confront technologists in their professional life.