In a recent podcast episode recorded at the Bahá’í World Centre, technologist Matt Weinberg delves into the intricate relationship between technology, values, and society. The conversation centres around the integration of human values, aspirations, and needs into the process of technology design, development, and utilization.
Hailing from the United States, Weinberg draws on his article titled “Technology, Values, and the Shaping of Social Reality”, which was published on the Bahá’í World website. He highlights the importance of not allowing technology to dictate the vision of technology development. Instead, he emphasises that technology is an extension of human capability, magnifying human intent and capacity, and should not be attributed with inherent characteristics or agency beyond human influence.
The technologist proposes a broader concept of rationality, one that integrates both reason and spiritual insight. He references the principle of the harmony between scientific and religious knowledge, a core tenet of the Bahá’í Faith, to underscore the significance of aligning technology with moral and spiritual values. By doing so, technology can become a significant contributor to societal wellbeing and the progress of civilization.
Weinberg underscores the multifaceted nature of knowledge, emphasizing the need for not only methodologies, theories, and techniques in advancements, but also values and spiritual insight. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual dimension of humanity and leveraging it to build fair and peaceful ways of living.
The podcast and Weinberg’s insights shed light on the critical role of incorporating human values and moral discernment into the development and use of technology. It offers a fresh perspective on the interplay of technology, values, and society, highlighting the potential of technology to contribute to the betterment and advancement of communities worldwide.
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