An Ethical Framework for Evaluating Experimental Technology

Abstract

How are we to appraise new technological developments that may bring revolutionary social changes? Currently this is often done by trying to predict or anticipate social consequences and to use these as a basis for moral and regulatory appraisal. Such an approach can, however, not deal with the uncertainties and unknowns that are inherent in social changes induced by technological development. An alternative approach is proposed that conceives of the introduction of new technologies into society as a social experiment. An ethical framework for the acceptability of such experiments is developed based on the bioethical principles for experiments with human subjects: non-maleficence, beneficence, respect for autonomy, and justice. This provides a handle for the moral and regulatory assessment of new technologies and their impact on society.

From HealthDrone to FrugalDrone: Value-Sensitive Design of a Blood Sample Transportation Drone

“…Recently, ethical frameworks intended to lead to the development of technologies for the "good of society" have been proposed within biotechnology [6] and artificial intelligence [7]. These ethical principals have been used to develop and evaluate emerging technologies by framing the activity as a socio-technical experiment conducted in the public space [8]. Here, five ethical principles are applied to the HealthDrone case: beneficence, non-maleficence, human autonomy, justice, and explicability.…”

The Symbolic-Consequences Argument in the Sex Robot Debate

“…51 In this respect, I am influenced by the work of Ibo van de Poel, and his colleagues, on new technologies as social experiments. 52 To understand their thinking, take the case of the iPhone (or smartphones, more generally) and ask yourself a simple question: What was Apple thinking when they introduced this product back in 2007? It was an impressive bit of technology, poised to revolutionize the smartphone industry, and set to become nearly ubiquitous within a decade.…”

Responsible Innovation in light of Levinas: rethinking the relation between responsibility and innovation

“…For one, innovation should primarily serve those others who need it most (Soete 2013). Along similar lines, innovating responsibly requires attention for the just distribution of potential hazards and benefits as well as protection of those that are most vulnerable (van de Poel 2016).…”