As we journey further into the 21st century, modern technology stands at the forefront of societal change, infiltrating nearly every facet of our lives. From smartphones to self-driving cars, the manner in which we perceive the world and engage with one another has transformed. In light of these shifts, it becomes crucial to examine the philosophical implications sparked by these advancements, particularly within the sphere of ethics. This blog post aims to explore the intersection of modern technology and Aristotelian ethics, seeking to understand the way in which such an ancient, time-honored philosophy can intersect and give insights into the morality of our digital age.
To contextualize this exploration, it is essential to briefly outline the core principles of Aristotelian ethics. Aristotle proposed a virtue-based system of ethics grounded in the notion of ‘eudaimonia’ or human flourishing. The virtues – characteristics that promote human flourishing – are habits that we cultivate over our entire lives. His ethics are inherently practical; they consider human actions in concrete situations rather than abstract principles.
As we begin to look at modern technology through this lens, it becomes apparent how such tech can factor into our pursuit of ‘eudaimonia.’ Technology, in its essence, is a tool. Much like a potter’s wheel or a builder’s level in ancient Greece, smartphones, computers, and the internet are tools we use to achieve particular ends. The crucial question thus arises: are these tools serving to promote human flourishing or hinder it?
Consider, for example, the use of social media. Are such platforms helping us to cultivate virtues such as friendship, wisdom, and courage, as Aristotelian ethics might suggest? On one hand, these platforms can increase our capacity for maintaining connections, sharing knowledge, and standing up for causes we believe in. On the other hand, they may encourage vices such as jealousy, misinformation, and cowardice behind a screen’s anonymity. In this context, it becomes clear that exploring technology in Aristotelean terms requires a balanced and nuanced view.
In similar stride, let’s also focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, which have shown tremendous potential for benefiting humanity. However, using this Aristotelian ethics lens, we must ask if their development and application are conducted in a manner that fosters virtues and not vices, promoting a sense of ‘eudaimonia.’
The present discourse around AI is often centered on utilitarian ethics, which weighs the overall outcomes of an action. That is, if the positives outweigh the negatives, the action is considered ethical. But as per Aristotelian ethics, we need to extend this analysis, focusing not just on the overall benefit but also whether the AI applications promote the cultivation of virtues.
For example, using AI to improve healthcare can be seen as fostering virtues like empathy, compassion, and benevolence. However, simultaneously, we must also address concerns related to privacy erosion and data security, which, if left unchecked, could foster deceit and mistrust.
In conclusion, taking an Aristotelian approach to modern technology challenges us to consider not only how these tools improve efficiency or productivity but how they contribute to our pursuit of ‘eudaimonia’ and the cultivation of positive virtues. As we continue to mold and adapt to the growing influence of technology, let us remember the wisdom of Aristotle, who encouraged us to reflect deeply on our actions, develop virtuous habits, and continually strive toward the goal of human flourishing.