Developing Technologies of Humility

Technology of Humility

Jasonoff's (2003) article attempting to standardize a balanced approach in developing technologies offered a four tiered framework to help understand who her theory may be practically employed. The purpose of this essay is to use these four focal points to highlight a specific technology that is currently teetering on the line between a technology of hubris and a technology of humility. To best understand this argument, I will first differentiate between technologies of hubris and technologies of humility in order to give context to the argument. I will then analyze the internet as a specific technology under the four guidelines presented in the guiding article.

Jasonoff claimed that technology needs to be balanced by all forces who may be impacted by the development of technology. She claimed that the outdated understanding methods such as an underlined social contract no longer can successfully act as this force. When technology becomes over-politicized, a significant loss of empathy occurs by key decision makers, and many are affected negatively. When this risky activity is employed it is considered a technology of hubris. Contrarily, when more understanding and balance is used while developing and employing technology, this method can be described as developing technologies of humility.

The four guidelines of framing, vulnerability, distribution and learning all need to be incorporated when developing technologies of humility. The internet is a powerful technology that may be viewed as either a technology of hubris or humility. Applying the four focal points to this technology will help find where it rests on this scale.

Framing. The internet can be used by most anyone in today's world with electricity and access to a computer or other types of technology. Those without these primary pieces of technology are certainly framed out of this argument. Lower class citizens are not completely locked out of this technology as free wi fi services are often available in many locations.

Vulnerability. The internet is very vulnerable to hacking procedures. Those who can successfully invade secure computing processes can put all of its users at some level of risk. Disinformation also contributes to the vulnerability risk as the internet is generally does not discriminate between truth and fiction.

Distribution. The internet is generally distributed by corporate telecommunication companies who charge their users for their services. This delivery method places certain responsibility on those providers. Once the internet is delivered to the customer however, the internet is uncensored and information, bad or good, freely flows.