Overview

NUEVAECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Humans started to develop technology as a means Ci
Cabanatuan to
ty improve their living. In order to make life easier,
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scientific knowledge must be applied to different processes. However, despite the good intentions of
College of Arts
technological advancement and development and Sciences
through scientific knowledge, there are still disadvantages
Mathematics an
d Science Department
caused by these technologies, which raised societal concerns. Ethical dilemmas regarding the
introduction of these technologies changed the social behavior and preferences of humans. Unit VI
emphasizes how the rapid acceleration in science and technology influenced some ethical standards of
society. Advantages and disadvantages of the newly acquired technologies are presented, including how
these advancements brought ethical dilemmas to the community. Inherent human rights are also
presented in this unit.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the unit, I am able to:

1. know and assess human rights in order to know the underlying rights concerning some
tecnological ethical dilemmas;
2. discuss the implications of the interaction between science and technology and human social
behaviour; and
3. relate human rights and the emerging technological dilemmas.
Module in

SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY,
& SOCIETY
UNITVI.
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS

Danny O. Alfonso Cristo Mark D. Ancheta Roel S. Ang

Leonardo M. Aquino
Jaynelle G. Domingo
Alpha B. Gumayagay
Olympia O. Riogelon
Glenda R. Tandingan
Bryan Joshua V. Bacani Joseph R. Del Carmen
Angel Joyce C. Fajardo Gian Carlo S. Gaetos
Jewell Ann P. Manabat Darwin U. Ong
Julius Jay N. Rodriguez Janina C. Sercenia
Diwata Y. Villaflor

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This module is a property of
the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
Setting Up

Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Course/Year/Section: ___________________________

Directions: Encircle the words/terms about communication technology. (20 pts.)

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Lesson Proper

Technology and Its Importance to Human Society

Technology, which is the application of scientific knowledge on techniques and processes, has practical
impact by sustaining different sectors of the community especially in agriculture, health, education, and
transportation sectors. The use of technology started when human civilization developed tools as they
learn complex human behavior associated with their survival.

Through many years of constant change, the present condition of the society is very much
different with the society many years ago. The present-day generation have great desire for
transformation, innovation, transmission, and domination of information. Although there are many social
consequences of technological applications, many people nowadays became technologically dependent
because of the ease and comfort that these technologies gave. Because of this, the influence of science and
technology in human daily living is growing. There is also an intense competition in the marketing of
these new technologies in the society. However, the impact of technological inventions to the society
must always be considered.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Technology

Advantages
Based on Ramey (2013) online articles and SKILLs learning schools (2016), today’s
generation has recognized the advantages of modern technology to society.
• Communication was improved through communication tools that were invented to make the
transmission of information easier and faster.
• Dissemination of information can be made easily with the help of social media. Housing, lifestyle,
and entertainment was also improved.
• Materials used to build modern houses, and other facilities are far more sophisticated today.
• Equipment used for home activities, and entertainment purposes are automated and more
versatile. A smart TV can now perform both television and computer functions.
• Education today is not only limited to a classroom setting. Distant learning through online courses
and other web-based seminars became effective platforms of learning.
• The modern-day transport system, like the use of the railway, skyway, ships, and airport systems,
can be attributed to societal progress.
• Technological advancement has changed the medical field's structure by introducing more
sophisticated equipment for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Recent breakthroughs have
allowed for the discovery of new treatment procedures.
• New technologies provide different industries to increase productivity and efficiency by reducing
labor costs and meeting the demands of a growing society. Moreover, technology opens an avenue
for more creative and innovative entrepreneurship through online businesses.

Disadvantages
Several negative effects of technological advancements complicated human social
wellbeing.

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• A possible shift in economies may occur, especially in areas where human labor is used as the
main workforce.
• The adoption of new product innovations by companies raised some concerns over possible
massive job displacement.
• Technology has further developed destructive weapons such as machineries that caused massive
death among countries. Other examples of these weapons include drones, submarine, missiles, and
nuclear weapons.
• Physical and social isolation due to the absence of interactive relationships increased loneliness
for many individuals. Most people focus their attention on gadgets and social technology rather
than building harmonious relationships among family members through interaction.
• Increased dependence on modern tools and technologies reduced human creativity and
intelligence, which may lower their competency.

The above disadvantages of modern technology lead to technological ethical dilemmas

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Human Rights

According to the United Nations, human rights are “rights inherent to all human beings, whatever
nationality, religion, ethnic group, race, sex, or any position in the society.” Human rights are
untransferable, which means they could not be removed in a person unless declared or instructed by law.
An example of this is a condemned individual awaiting execution because the crime he committed might
lose some of his rights. Human rights are universal, as stated in the Universal Declaration on Human
Rights in 1948. Human rights are inseparable and interconnected. When one right is improved, it will
affect the enhancement of others. Also, when one right is harmed, it hostiled the rights of others.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights on December 10, 1948. Under the universal declaration of human rights, the state
shall strive to promote and secure the universal and effective recognition of rights through
teaching and providing education. These adopted human rights include the articles below:

Article 1 Right to Equality

Article 2 Freedom from Discrimination
Article 3 Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security
Article 4 Freedom from Slavery
Article 5 Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment
Article 6 Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law
Article 7 Right to Equality before the Law
Article 8 Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal
Article 9 Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile
Article 10 Right to Fair Public Hearing
Article 11 Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty
Article 12 Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, and
Correspondence
Article 13 right to Free Movement in and out of the Country
Article 14 Right to Asylum in other Countries from Persecution
Article 15 Right to a Nationality and the Freedom to Change It
Article 16 Right to Marriage and Family
Article 17 Right to Own Property
Article 18 Freedom of Belief and Religion
Article 19 Freedom of Opinion and Information
Article 20 Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association
Article 21 Right to Participate in Government and in Free
Elections
Article 22 Right to Social Security
Article 23 Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions
Article 24 Right to Rest and Leisure
Article 25 Right to Adequate Living Standard
Article 26 Right to Education
Article 27 Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of the
Community
Article 28 Right to Social Order that Articulates this Document
Article 29 Community Duties Essential to Free and Full
Development
Article 30 Freedom from State of Personal Interference in the
above Rights

Aside from the rights enlisted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are other

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 human rights included in the Constitution of each state, treatises, local laws, and policies.

Human rights should always be considered before a certain technology is introduced to

avoid technological ethical dilemmas. The persons or corporations involved should verify what
human rights will be at risk by introducing their newly created technologies.
Ethics and Ethical Dilemma

Ethics is a system of moral principles or values that govern a person's behavior concerning what is
good for oneself and the society that he belongs to. It is a measure of motivation to which people are
motivated to act morally.

People encounter many different problems in everyday living. Most of these problems can be
answered easily and in an uncomplicated manner. However, an ethical dilemma may occur in many
situations wherein there can be two possible solutions. Still, both of them were unpleasant or not
acceptable from an ethical perspective. This can sometimes be called an ethical paradox or moral
dilemma. In the case of an ethical dilemma, a deeper and better understanding of the underlying issue is
required and can lead to multiple solutions.

How do people approach ethical dilemmas?

People approach ethical dilemmas in different ways. The following are some steps from
which people approach ethical dilemmas.

1. Acknowledge or accept the ethical issue.

✓ Does the situation give rise to conflicts?
✓ Is it an ethical conflict?

2. These decisions can be made through the help of these questions:

✓ What are truths/facts behind the issue that can be used for the collection of reliable
information?
✓ What are the key values and ethical principles involved?
✓ What are the possible options or alternative choices?

3. Subject the dilemma to critical evaluation. Investigation of the situation may answer the
following questions:
✓ Which option can protect the rights of the individuals?
✓ Which option can lead to the best outcomes?
✓ Which option can best promote the common good?

2. Make a decision and evaluate the consequences. ✓

Which option or alternative is the best?
✓ Ask “Was my action the best action?”

Emerging Technological Ethical Dilemmas

Advances in technology are rapidly changing in many disciplines, such as agriculture, engineering,
education, medicine, etc. Farmers can improve crop yield through newly developed advanced pieces of
machinery for planting and harvesting, new engineering concepts can unlock solutions on problems
relating to genetics and chemical synthesis, teachers can modify and spread education through
distanceeducation and virtual classroom, and doctors can reduce medical mistakes by increasing
potential to improve health through precision medicine. However, these advancements in technology also
have the potential to transform individuals' lives negatively. Because of this, technological ethical
dilemmas arise.

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 Technological ethical dilemmas occur when new and emerging technologies raise ethical, social,
and privacy issues. These dilemmas arose from the conception, production, use, and effect of technology.
Few of these technologies can be labeled as dangerous that may pose a threat to human lives. While other
technologies have high impact on society, they can change societal growth positively or negatively.

Four factors are placed at risk when ethical dilemmas occur due to certain technologies. These
four factors include the environment, individual health, individual rights, and the affected society.
To have better deal with technological ethical dilemmas, these four factors should always be considered.

The need to explore conceptual, ethical and policy issues of the society where modern
technological advancement interacts promotes the advancement of science and technology for the
common good. It should be clear that recent technologies and innovations should not hinder an individual
from enjoying any of the rights mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In 2015 and 2016, the Reilly Center for Science Technology and Values at the University of Notre
Dame released some of what it considers emerging policies related to science and technology.

1. Real-time Satellite Surveillance Imagery

Satellite generated images are helpful in planning and solving humanitarian problems,
crimes, and disaster risk reduction. But if theses data would reach the hands of potential leftists,
this might clearly violate the privacy of human life.

2. Colonizing Mars: An Astronaut Bioethics

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and a private company, Mars
One, worked together for a space mission to colonize the planet Mars. In 2018, Mars One
planned to launch a robotic mission to Mars, and by 2025, four humans will be sent on a one-
way mission to establish the first community outside the earth. Despite the possibility of a
breakthrough in the history of science and technology, there is a need for risk assessment.

3. Wearable Technology
Companies around the globe have developed several wearable technologies to suit human
behavior and activities. These technologies have beneficial functions in education and health,
but privacy problems could be a problem.

4. State Sponsored Hacktivism and “soft war”

Soft war is an unarmed force using cyberwar and hacktivism to transform the cultural
values and identities of society. It can influence the social aspect of a given political system and
invade cultural and psychological operations. The use of cyberattacks to any government
agency could be a problem.

5. Enhanced Pathogens
Researches about the gain of function of known diseases such as influenza, Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been
suspended in the United States because of biosafety concerns. Gains of function researches
have beneficial impacts such as understanding the virus and the mode of treatment for these
viruses. However, this kind of research could also increase mammalian transmission. This
could be an avenue of exposing the virus into the general population that could have
devastating effects, just like the present pandemic, COVID-19.

3. Non-lethal weapons
Non-lethal weapons are not designed to kill but remained to be an ethical dilemma. Some
examples are laser missiles, blinding weapons, pain rays, sonic weapons, and gasses and
sprays. Indiscriminate use of such could be used as a means of torture.

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 4. Robot Swarms
Some researchers of Harvard University focused on the development of “kilobots”, a group
of robots capable of communicating with each other and perform simple tasks that do not
require any human intervention. These groups of robots can be used in environmental
cleanups or in responding to disasters. There is a risk of this technology to malfunction and
cause harm.

5. Artificial life forms

This technology is through synthetic biology, which is focused on custom-building of life
forms by introducing synthetic DNA to an existing organism. This raises concerns on some
ethics and policy issues. Safety issues are also of great concern since biological weapons using
these organisms may arise.

6. Resilient social-ecological systems

The need to build resilience in the social and ecological systems of each nation is necessary,
especially in facing societal problems brought about by poverty, economic globalization, and
natural phenomena such as climate change and natural disasters.

7. Brain-to-brain interfaces
This technology is about direct communication from one brain to another without the use
of speech but using electroencephalography (EEG), a machine that detects brain activity.
Ethical issues that arise are the kind of neurosecurity that can be used to prevent accidental
sharing or removal of information from an individual brain, intellectual property rights, and
the liability between the sender and receiver if one commits a mistake.

References

Carbonell J.G., Michalski R.S., Mitchell T.M. (1983) An Overview of Machine Learning. In: Michalski R.S.,
Kleinig, J., & Evans, N. G. (2012). Human Flourishing, Human Dignity, and Human Rights. Law and
Philosophy. 32(50. 539-564. Doi:10.1007/s10982-012-9153-2
Marshall, K. P. (1999) Has Technology Introduced New Ethical Problems?. Journal of Business Ecthics, 19(1).
81-90. Doi:10.1023/aa:1006154023743
OHCHR. (n.d.). what are human rights? Retrieved January 29, 2019, from
https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/pages/whatarehumanrights.aspx
Ramey, K. (2013) What is technology – Meaning of technology and its use. Use of Technology techucation
Rasmussen, d.B. (1989). Individual Rights and Human Flourishing. Publioc Affairs Quarterly. 3 (1), 89-103.
Retrieved from http://www. Jstor.org/stable/40435703
Stansberry, K., Anderson, J., & Rainie, L. (2018). Experts Optimistic About the Next 50 Years of Digital Life.
University of Notre Dame. (2012. December 17). Emerging Ethical Dilemmas in science and technology.
ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 19, 2019 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/121217162440.htm
Wright, D., Finn, R., Gellert, R., Gutwirth, S., Schutz, P., Friedwald, M., Venier, S., &Mordini, E. (2014). Etical
Dilemma scenarios and emerging technologies. Technological Forecasting ansd Soccial Change, 86,
325-336. Doi:10.1016/j.techfore.2013.12.008.
Younkins, Dr. E. (2003) Aristotle, Human Flourishing, and the Limited State. Le Que becois Libre Nov. 133
(2003): 1-9. Retrieved from Le quebecois Libe database 13 Dec. 2010.

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Assessing Learning

Activity 15
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________

Directions: Answer the following questions on technological ethical dilemmas and present your answers
in the class.

Questions:

1. What are the human rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that need to
be considered on ethical dilemmas concerning Colonizing Mars: An Astronaut Bioethics, Robot
Swarms, Non-lethal weapons, Enhanced Pathogens, and Artificial life forms.
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2. What is your view or stand on these ethical dilemmas?

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Activity 16
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________

Directions: Read the article entitled ‘Is google making us stupid?’. Answer the questions that follow in the
next page and present your answers in the class. The article is available through this link:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/

Questions:
 1. Why did the author suggest that Google is making us stupid?
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2. What are theethical dilemmas discussed in the article?

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________________________________________
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3. What is your view or stand on those ethical dilemmas?

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Activity 17
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________
Directions: Discuss your stand about the following technological dilemmas. (Minimum of 100 words). Use
extra sheets of paper.

1. We are now in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, wherein new technologies and global
integration accelerate more rapidly. The technology that is now under development is artificial
intelligence or machine learning. Artificial techniques became part of our everyday lives today
because of computers, electronic gadgets, and other connected devices that we use. Techniques
developed are able to the cognitive simulation that are capable of investigating and simulating the
human learning processes or can mimic how people gain understanding.
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2. The right of people to privacy is one concern in today’s digital generation. It is believed that the
digital era will surely improve people's lives over the next decades in favor of the more privileged
people. Thus, this will lead to the rise of inequality and economic division. Do you believe in this
privacy issue? Defend your answer.
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