Toward a More Democratic Ethic of Technological Governance

Abstract

Recent scholarship in technology and society studies has given attention to the notion of technological citizenship. This article seeks to further integrate perspectives on this topic with theoretical contributions about the development of moral autonomy. The author challenges the presumption that the strategy of expanding opportunities for participation in technological decision making will in itself develop people's autonomy and citizenship. He argues that concurrent efforts must be made to democratize the political-economic structures of key technologies and to help people prepare morally for citizenship roles in governing these technologies. On this basis, a series of initiatives are suggested.

Public Deliberation in an Age of Direct Citizen Participation

“…Experts have the education, skills, and time to devote to policy concerns. In contrast, citizens lack the special training and resources needed to be cogent about complex policy problems, especially those involving highly sophisticated technology (Aron, 1979;Cohen, 1995;DeSario & Langton, 1984;Hadden, 1981;Morgan, 1984;Zimmerman, 1995). As a consequence of these disparities, professionals and experts gain in power, while citizens, unable to participate as coequals, decrease their involvement.…”

“…The following articles offer a sample of some of the cases: Ireland (1975), Kauffman and Shorett (1977), Godschalk and Stiftel (1981), Plumlee, Starling, and Kramer (1985), Kraft and Kraut (1985), and Desai (1989). For those focusing on the tensions between the democratic ethic and technology, see Fiorino (1990), Frankenfeld (1992), Laird (1993), Zimmerman (1995), and Abel and Stephan (2000).…”

Qualitative indicators for smart city business models: The case of mobile services and applications

“…-Technology governance: This parameter highlights the importance of transparency, participation and emancipation in making technological choices (Zimmerman, 1995), especially by public entities. Choices for a particular technology or platform (e.g.…”

International pricing and distribution of therapeutic pharmaceuticals: an ethical minefield

“…(47) (Maass 2003) This trend is a public good in that it reduces pressures on the public purse, but it also raises questions about the relationship between 'free inquiry' and the 'free market' (Fuller 2000). At an ethical level it also raises questions about public control of the research agenda, Zimmerman (1995) identified a general trend of shifting a central governance function from the political realm to industry or in his terms 'some of the most significant and powerful institutions of our time'(86). In these terms the justification for extended exclusive licenses (time limited monopolies) for certain drugs that have very high public good utility is not at all proven.…”