The Aim of Technology is to Enhance the “Value” of Human Life

TECHNOLOGY and the VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE

An Essay

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY

In our everyday lives – most of us use a number of words that we assume have a universal, agreed-upon and accepted meaning for all people in all contexts.

Often – the more frequently the word is used – the more we take for granted that our usage is the only possible usage of the term.

One such popular word freely bandied about and very much in-vogue jargon now-a-days is “technology”.

Let us explore the meaning of the word “technology”.

The word “technology” comprises two parts – “technikos” & “ology”

The historical derivation of the term technology comes from the Greek word technikos, meaning “of art, skillful, practical”

The portion of the word ology indicates “knowledge of” or a “systematic treatment of”.

Thus – the literal verbatim derivation of the term technology is: 

“knowledge of the skilful and practical”

However – this definition is too general in nature – and we have to transcend this narrow view of technology – since every technology starts from a human purpose – from the intention to satisfy some human need or behaviour.

Indeed – technology is the manipulation of nature for human purpose – yes – manipulation of nature – so let us use a slightly different definition of technology.

We will define technology as the knowledge of the manipulation of nature for human purposes.

This definition retains the notions of both knowledge and practicality (human purposes) – but adds the new concept of manipulation of nature.

This implies that all practical or technical skills ultimately derive from alterations or manipulation of nature.

Technology depends on a base in the natural world (Science) – but extends the natural world through the phenomenon of manipulation (Engineering).

Since we want to manipulate nature – the ability to predict what nature will do when manipulated is most useful – indeed imperative.

ETHICS OF TECHNOLOGY

By our very definition – technology manipulates nature for human purposes.

Technology manipulates nature.

Man is a part of nature.

By manipulating nature – man manipulates himself.

Thus – technology manipulates man 

Technology influences, even governs, human behaviour – and in turn impinges on societal behaviour, traditions and culture.

Technology is an entity that intervenes in the life of human beings in multifarious ways, directly or indirectly, trying to alter behaviours.

Thus – Technology has an Ethical Dimension.

The very raison d’etre of technology is human purpose.

What is the fundamental purpose of human life...?

Is it to increase standard of living...?

Is it to improve quality of life...?

Or is it to have greater satisfaction in life...?

We can distill all these various aspects into a single holistic concept: “Value” of Human Life

VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE

Thus – the cardinal aim of technology is to enhance the value of human life. 

Yes. 

The Aim of Technology is to Enhance the “Value” of Human Life

TECHNOLOGY and the VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE

Let us define the value of human life as the balance or ratio between satisfaction or happiness and pain or suffering. 

Value of Human Life is the Ratio between Happiness and Suffering 

VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE = HAPPINESS/SUFFERING

In the context of this definition – the ultimate purpose of technology is to enhance the value of human life – with a long-term perspective – by maximization of happiness and satisfaction – and a concomitant reduction or minimization of pain and suffering (physical, mental and emotional).

As a generalization – people want a better life.

A better life may usually mean things like freedom from want – access to and possession of at least some of the “nonessentials”, comforts or luxuries – good health – a reasonable life expectancy – the absence of emotional stress – satisfying human relations (resulting from gratifying work experience and meaningful interpersonal relationships) – intellectual stimulation – and personally rewarding leisure activities.

HUMAN NEEDS and VALUES

Human needs and values change through time as technology advances.

Man tends to accept the fruits of new technology more readily (satisfaction, pleasure, happiness, comfort) – whereas – he is reluctant to accept changes in his personal life.

Thus – social and cultural changes always lag behind technology – causing a mismatch and disconnect – which consequently leads to unhappiness, dissatisfaction, pain and suffering (emotional) – and concomitant lowering of the value of human life.

A crude but practical way of classifying human values is to divide needs into those that are essentially physiological – and those that are psychological.

Most new technologies cater to the physiological aspect by performing Dangerous, Dirty, or Difficult jobs (the 3 D’s) – thereby enhancing the value of human life.

As regards the psychological aspect – an example pertaining to Information Technology (IT) may be in order.

Information Technology (IT) caters to two unique categories of psychological needs of humans:

 

1. Cognitive Needs – which refer to the human need for information – so as to be ready to act or make decisions that may be required. 

2. Affective Needs – which refer to the emotional requirements of human – such as their need to do challenging work, to know their work has value, to feel personally secure – and to be in control.

Undue emphasis on cognitive needs – and – consequent neglect of affective needs – this may cause emotional pain – that counterbalances the gains from technology – and this may be detrimental to the “value of human life” as a whole.

 

TECHNOLOGY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Effects and Consequences of Technology

In our haste to milk technology for immediate economic advantage, we often lose sight of the long-term consequences: the higher order and indirect effects, especially the delayed and unintended effects of technology.

The Sorenson multiple effect network methodology is a useful technique for an analyzing the impact and consequences of technology.

Let us introduce the term malefit to represent harmful effects and consequences of a technology in contrast with benefit as a useful output.

We may categorize the consequences of a technology (Effects vs Consequences) as:

EFFECTS vs CONSEQUENCES

(i)         First Order                  :           Benefits

(ii)        Second Order              :           Direct Malefits

(iii)       Third Order                 :           Indirect Malefits

(iv)       Fourth Order               :           Unintended Malefits

(v)        Fifth Order                  :           Delayed Malefits

Such analyses definitely help in assessing the impact of various consequences of a technology on the value of human life in the long-term perspective in holistic manner.

Early identification of factors detrimental to the value of human life may prove useful in technology impact assessment to reduce mismatches and smoothen out incongruities.

CONCLUSION

We must not lose sight of our basic premise that: 

The Cardinal Aim of Technology is to enhance the Value of Human Life – by Maximising Happiness – and Minimising Suffering.

 

Ethical Technology Management comprises a harmonious blend of rational thinking and empathic understanding – wherein you – study, analyse and mitigate the conflicting interplay between human cognitive and affective processes.

It may be apt to conclude with a comment by RM Pirsig – who states that:

“The way to solve the conflict between human values and technological needs is not to run away from technology. 

That is impossible. 

The way to resolve the conflict is to break down the barriers of dualistic thought that prevent a real understanding of what technology is… not an exploitation of nature, but a fusion of nature and the human spirit into a new kind of creation that transcends both...” 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
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No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved) 

 

The above blog post in an abridged extract from my lecture/paper TECHNOLOGY AND THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE written by me more than 25 years ago in the early 1990s and posted online earlier a number of times in my blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/10/technology-and-ethics.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/ethics-of-technology.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/12/technology.html etc

National Science Day – Musings on Science, Technology and Engineering

Today – February 28 – is observed as “NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY” in India.

On the 28^th of February 1928 – celebrated Indian Scientist Sir CV Raman discovered a phenomenon of scattering of photons – which was later known as “Raman Effect” after his name. 

After two years – in 1930 – Sir CV Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this remarkable discovery and this was the first Nobel Prize for India in the field of Science. 

To mark the discovery his famous phenomenon – “National Science Day” is celebrated in India on the 28^th of February every year.

Do you know the meaning of the term “SCIENCE”...?

Do you know the difference between “Science”, “Technology” and “Engineering”...?

Can you tell me:

What is the difference between a Scientist – a Technologist – and – an Engineer...? 

I remember that I had been asked a similar question about the definition of Science, Engineering and Technology many years ago when I used to conduct an induction training program – and – in response – in addition to answering the question – I had written a blog post on the subject.

Let me delve into my academic writing journal archives and pull out this article which I had written long back – 10 years ago – in the year 2008 – during my “Professorship” days...

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING
Meaning and Definition
By 
VIKRAM KARVE

From my Academic Writing Archives:

Here is an article I wrote during my teaching days, while conducting an induction training program, 10 years ago, in the year 2008...

SCIENCE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY –  SCIENTIST, ENGINEER, TECHNOLOGIST  –  What is the Difference...?

Long back – during my teaching days – when I was talking to some youngsters undergoing an induction training program – I realized that they did not know the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology. 

Some of the trainees had degrees in Technology (B.Tech. / M.Tech.), some had degrees in Engineering (B.E. / M.E.) and a few had degrees in Science (B.Sc., B.S., M.Sc., M.S). 

I called two trainees.

One had a B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) degree in Electrical Engineering.

The other had a B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) degree in the same discipline.

I asked then what was the difference between a B. Tech. degree and a B.E. degree...?

They were clueless. 

By the way – in addition to BE and B. Tech. – in earlier times – some Universities awarded the B.Sc. (Engineering) and B.Sc (Technology) degrees to Engineering/Technology Graduates too.

I asked all the trainees if they knew the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology...?

No one seemed to know. 

Tell me – do you know the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology...?

In many research organizations – like DRDO – even Engineers and Technologists are designated as “Scientists”. 

Do you know what is the difference between Science, Technology and Engineering...?

Can you tell me what is the difference between a Scientist – a Technologist – and – an Engineer...? 

Let me try to elaborate – in as simple a way as possible.

SCIENCE and the SCIENTIST

Science is the reasoned investigation or study of natural phenomena with the objective of discovering new principles and knowledge of natural phenomena.

The principal goal of a Scientist is to publish a research paper. 

Nowadays, the sheer manner in which so many papers are churned out it seems that many research papers are seen to be written and not written to be seen.

Of course, a genuine Scientist will try and ensure that a research paper must be written to be seen and not seen to be written. 

TECHNOLOGY and the TECHNOLOGIST

Technology is the practical application of science.

Technology includes the skill, technique and knowledge of the manipulation of nature for human purposes, using scientific results and knowledge.

The principal goal of a Technologist is to produce some physical change in the world. 

ENGINEERING and the ENGINEER 

Engineering is the professional art of using technology (the practical application of science) for achieving the optimum conversion of the resources of nature for the benefit of humankind.

In order to exploit technology, the engineer applies scientific principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems. 

The principal goal of an Engineer is to design, create and produce new tools, machines and systems for practical human means by exploiting technology.

 

WHO IS MOST USEFUL TO SOCIETY – SCIENTIST TECHNOLOGIST or ENGINEER...?

In a nutshell:

a Scientist studies nature

a Technologist manipulates nature 

an Engineer exploits technology for human purposes.

While Scientists may, at times, may conduct scientific studies for the sake of discovery, Engineers and Technologists always try to have in mind the ultimate benefit of humankind and results of their work are invariably beneficial for human purposes.

Engineering is the art of optimally using technology and is primarily concerned with how to direct to useful and economical ends the natural phenomena which scientists discover and formulate into acceptable. 

Engineering therefore requires the creative imagination to innovatively apply technology in order to obtain useful applications of natural phenomena. 

It seeks newer, cheaper, better technologies of using natural sources of energy and materials. 

Science pertains more to Academic Education – whereas Engineering is related to Skill Development.

It will primarily be Engineers who can make the recent “Make in India” campaign a success – of course – with support from Scientists and Technologists.

 

So we can infer that the Engineer is the one who is most useful to society and humankind – isn’t it?

Dear Reader – do you agree? 

Or – do you feel that the Scientist is more important that the Engineer...? 

Or – do you think there is no difference between Science, Technology and Engineering...? 

Please do give your views and comments.

ENGINEERING – Definition

A Gobbledygook Definition of ENGINEERING

Now I have tried to tell you in as simple a way as possible, but if you prefer Gobbledygook read on:

The American Engineers’ Council for Professional Development  has defined Engineering as follows: 

 

Engineering is:

“The creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property”

WHY INDIA IS STILL TECHNOLOGICALLY BACKWARD DESPITE INVESTING SO MUCH MONEY AND HUMAN RESOURCE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

India could not capitalize on its Scientific Developments since our Engineering and Technology were weak. 

There is no use pursuing scientific research without strong engineering capability and robust technological base. 

There is no use inventing and discovering new things if you cannot utilize your inventions and discoveries for the benefit of mankind.

CONCLUSION

I think I will end with a quote:

“A good Scientist is a person with original ideas. 
A good Engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible. 
There are no ‘Prima Donnas’ in Engineering”

                                                                     ~ Freeman Dyson 

Now – Dear Reader – you tell me: 

Who do you think is most useful to society: 

A Scientist – a Technologist – or – an Engineer...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
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Disclaimer:

All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)