Technology Ethics: Responsible Innovation and Design Strategies

Technologies cannot simply be understood as neutral tools or instruments; they embody the values of their creators and may unconsciously reinforce existing inequalities and biases.

Technology Ethics shows how responsible innovation can be achieved. Demonstrating how design and philosophy converge, the book delves into the intricate narratives that shape our understanding of technology – from instrumentalist views to social constructivism. Yet, at its core, it champions interactionalism as the most promising and responsible narrative. Through compelling examples and actionable tools this book unravels the nuances of these philosophical positions, and is tailored to foster responsible innovation and thoughtful design. As our everyday lives further intertwine with technology, understanding and implementing these design principles becomes not just beneficial, but essential.

This concise and accessible introduction is essential reading for students and scholars of philosophy of technology, engineering ethics, science and technology studies, and human–machine communication, as well as policymakers.

Steven Umbrello is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Turin.