Ethics of Technological Risks

This course investigates ethical aspects of technological risks. Debates about technological risks related to, for example, energy technologies, robotics and biotechnology frequently culminate in stalemates. This is due to the complexities and intricacies inherent to such debates as they involve scientific information and uncertainties, as well as ethical and emotional considerations. Conventional, quantitative approaches focus primarily on statistical information to risk. They do not explicitly incorporate important ethical considerations such as justice, fairness and autonomy. Emotions such as compassion, care and feelings of responsibility can draw attention to such ethical aspects of risky technologies. Taking emotions and ethical considerations seriously can lead to more fruitful deliberations between different stakeholders in which relevant concerns are taken seriously and are explicitly reflected upon. This course will study how approaches to ethical aspects of risk can lead to more morally responsible decision making and design of technological innovations.