Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-8 | Issue-07 | 470-472
Review Article
Critical Ethical Roles for Science and Technology Usage
Olusegun Stephen Taiwo
Published : July 27, 2024
Abstract
The progression in science and technology has increased human survival on earth. Man has witnessed a great and extraordinary progress in technology, which our lives depend on it for its survival. These developments come in many dimensions as we have in medicine, bio-technology, security, education, information and communication, economy, artificial intelligence, etc. Charles Hartshone argued that “Science and technology fantastically increase the number of those whom that best is available. Secondly, since science and technology allows a great number of people at least a marginal existence [1].” In addition, as Charles quoted Ortega y Gasset, Science and technology makes kingly luxuries commonplaces for large numbers of people [2].” In all these developmental success, Ethics has critical intervention to act like Plato’s rational parts of the soul which Plato compared to as element of a Charioteer to the two horses controlled by the Charioteer. One part of science and technology is good which I have stated above while the other horse is bad (the appetitive element). While all can enjoy and see the development and success of science and technology – the good horse which is easily driven according to the directions of the Charioteer, the bad horse tends to obey the voice of sensual passion. So this paper among all, argues that science and technology usage must not be totally right. Its usage must be controlled by Ethics by not destroying those that make use of (science and technology) it, even as it has positive usage. I shall discuss the nature of science and technology using the arguments of Walter Rodney on science and technology and nature of ethics. The theoretical framework used shall be that of Platos’ on the need to control the bad part (horse) of science and technology.