Promises and Perils in Moralizing Technologies

This chapter discusses the need to incorporate in the currently prevalent approach, according to which technologies should be designed to possibly avoid negative consequences, a proactive approach that promotes positive outcomes. The chapter thus focuses on the “moralization” of technologies, that is, the deliberate development of technologies to shape moral action and moral decision-making. By means of two thought experiments, this chapter presents the promises but also the perils of moralizing technologies with particular attention to computer technologies. Challenges to the moralization of technologies deal with human autonomy and the opacity of design choices and their regulation.