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Sam asked:

Is technology a double edged sword? Do it's vices outweigh its virtues?

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Technology has vices and virtues, but how could we measure whether one outweighs the other?

Heidegger has written a paper called "The Question concerning Technology" (see "Basic Writings"
edited by D F Krell) in which he claims that there is nothing bad about technology in itself but only in
man's exploitation of the energies of nature. Man is not subservient to technology, which is a means
to an end, but is subservient to the challenge, which he seems unable to avoid, to create
technological advances. However, we are often not aware of our commitment to technology. The
forester who cuts down trees may believe he is working with nature, but really he is subservient to
man's desire for paper and ultimately magazines. Heidegger annoyingly speaks in a language which
he creates for himself, but I think that what he is saying — and this is a vast simplification — is that
when we recognise a danger to mankind there becomes a possibility of seeing how we can be saved.
The creativity inherent in technology and art come from the same source and since art, but not
science, fosters mankind's ability for reflection on his own nature, the saving power lies in art and, if
we can see this, we can avoid a total entrenchment in technology. Because the source of art and
technology is the same, we are not in danger as long as we continue to be in touch with the truth and
maintain our ability to recognise how our understanding of the way we are can be falsified by
ourselves. Our creative urge is not essentially directed to technology and we do not really want to
exploit nature for our own ends. The artistic creative urge is a part of us and should not be
smothered.

Of course, this is abstract and philosophical and was written before computer technology became so
much a part of our lives. I would say that, in fact, we are subservient to technology. As soon as
computers break down no-one can do their work! The internet has fostered a desire for immediate
action and communication. It has now been realised that we are waiting for two whole days for
cheques to clear the bank when this isn't necessary. Really, technology is feeding mankind's worst
features of greed and impatience. But then it has it's good side too.

Rachel Browne

It is a double-edged sword since it has some problem: pollution and the like. However, it is clear that
the advantages of technology far outweigh its disadvantages. Consider the world 300 years ago, and
the world now. It is clear that this is a better world, and this is mostly due to the scientific revolution
and the technological revolution. How would you like to have surgery without anesthetic?

Kenneth Stern