The Intersection of between Technology and Axiology
You think more about Axiology than you realize
As we evolve in the emerging world of autonomous technology, we find ourselves at the fascinating intersections between technology, axiology, and the See-Judge-Act method, which shows how our values influence the creation and application of technology.
Technology and Axiology
The philosophical study of values, known as axiology, offers essential frameworks for understanding how technology contributes to human well-being. It explores what makes technologies valuable, how to prioritize them, and what moral standards should guide their development and use.
As we discussed in past postings, we are facing questions in our lives revolving around AI ethics, digital privacy, the boundaries of biotechnology, and sustainable innovation, which become particularly relevant.
What defines technological progress is a key philosophical question in the field of technology. How can we balance human dignity with efficiency? Which values should be embedded in algorithmic systems? These questions prompt us to consider broader human values, such as justice, autonomy, and community, alongside purely utilitarian considerations.
The See-Judge-Act Approach
This methodology, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching but applicable more broadly, offers a structured approach for making moral decisions, especially when evaluating technology. The See-Judge-Act method plays a crucial role in guiding our ethical decision-making, providing a reassuring structure in the face of complex technological issues.
It entails closely seeing/observing and analyzing technological realities to comprehend not only how technologies function but also their effects on society, the economy, and culture. To do this, information must be gathered, impacted communities must be heard, and trends in technological change must be identified.
The judge/discern component evaluates these observations based on moral standards and ideals. To determine whether technological advancements support human dignity, promote justice, and serve the common good, this stage mainly depends on axiological frameworks, providing a secure foundation for our technological evaluations.
Acting involves making strong decisions and taking responsibility for their implementation. In technology, this could mean setting moral standards, creating legal frameworks, or choosing how to apply specific technologies, using “guardrails” and policies to help ensure the greater good is achieved and maintained.
Integration and Uses
A strong framework for technology ethics is developed by combining axiology and the See-Judge-Act approach. For example, when developing AI, we may identify algorithmic bias patterns, such as racial or gender bias in predictive policing algorithms, evaluate them in light of equality and fairness principles, and then take action by establishing diverse development teams or implementing bias detection systems.
This method helps shift the conversation about technology from purely technical issues, commonly referred to as “Technology Orthodoxy,” to more fundamental ones about the kind of society we wish to create and how technology can promote human flourishing, rather than merely optimizing for specific metrics.
As technological impacts evolve and our understanding of values deepens through experience, the integration also emphasizes the value of continuous reflection rather than one-time ethical evaluations. This ongoing process keeps us engaged and committed to ensuring that our technological advancements align with our values.
A Strong Framework
