The Technology We Need for the World We Want

The central argument of this chapter is that society can be shaped to lift individuals to fulfill their potential, if those who constitute Society (Us) aspire to that objective and act accordingly. Technology can help us to make that happen. It cannot do it for us. To serve the Common Good technology must be designed, delivered and used with this goal in (the human) mind. We must be aware of that feedback-loop of human aspirations and artificial intelligence in order to influence it systematically. The aim of the chapter is to show certain patterns of technology affecting society, not to draw an inventory or provide a detailed technical discussion about computers, or artificial intelligence. Two convergent and mutually influencing dynamics are briefly analyzed: 1) the influence of values and aspirations on the impact of technology; and 2) the influence of technology on the attitude and action of users. Both venues assess how hardware and software could serve everyone and the communities they evolve in, to live a meaningful happy life; if they are designed and delivered with that intention.