Living Technology: Philosophy and Ethics at the Crossroads Between Life and Technology

The boundaries between inanimate technology and the living are blurred, with technological interventions into living organisms becoming more possible. Digitalization and AI enable increasingly autonomous technologies, and inanimate technologies such as robots begin to show characteristics of life. Contested issues such as the dignity of life, the enhancement of animals for human purposes, the creation of designer babies, and the granting of robot rights arise. The book addresses these issues by analyzing the dissolution of the boundaries between technology and life, providing ethical guidance for navigating research and innovation responsibly, and philosophical reflection on the meaning of the current shifts. It offers three specific perspectives for understanding the challenges and providing orientation, including analyzing the dissolution of the boundaries from both sides, searching for orientation in philosophy of technology and nature, and considering the entire spectrum of living organisms and robots as possible early forms of emerging technical life.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 344 pages
\n Publication date: 17 June 2021
\n Publisher: Jenny Stanford Publishing
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The boundaries between inanimate technology and the realm of the living are becoming increasingly blurred. Deeper and deeper technological interventions into living organisms are possible, covering the entire spectrum of life from bacteria to humans. Simultaneously, digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) enable increasingly autonomous technologies. Inanimate technologies such as robots begin to show characteristics of life. Contested issues pop up, such as the dignity of life, the enhancement of animals for human purposes, the creation of designer babies, and the granting of robot rights.

The book addresses the understanding of the ongoing dissolution of the life/technology borders, the provision of ethical guidance for navigating research and innovation responsibly, and the philosophical reflection on the meaning of the current shifts. It offers three specific perspectives for understanding the challenges and providing orientation.

First, the dissolution of the boundaries between technology and life is analyzed and reflected from both sides. Second, the search for orientation is not restricted to ethics but also involves philosophy of technology and of nature, as well as anthropology. Finally, instead of restricting the analysis to specific areas of life, e.g., bacteria or animals, the book presents a comprehensive look at the entire spectrum of living organisms—bacteria and viruses, plants, animals, and humans—and robots as possible early forms of emerging technical life.

The book explores the ethical implications of these developments, including questions about the nature of life, the boundaries of human autonomy, and the responsibilities of scientists and engineers. It also examines the philosophical and social implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology.

The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in the intersection of technology, life, and ethics. It provides a wealth of insights and perspectives on the complex and rapidly evolving field of life/technology studies.

\n Weight: 628g\n
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789814877701\n \n