Technology and Progress: the Need for Ethical Values in Society - Essay Example

Agree or disagree: technology and progress is eroding the need for moral/ethical values in society. Why or why not? Define an ideal society. Will this society work in the 21st century? Why or why not?  Technological advancements, scientific innovations and medical improvements are some of the terminologies that come to our mind when we are about to debate on the 21st century. Man has become lazy and sluggish due to these advancements yet he, himself is astonished and baffled by the fast paced velocity and expanse of societal and technological changes. The question is that whether we can actually construct a society that will be ideal for the 21st century. Another question arises that whether these rapid paced technological advancements are somehow influencing the need of moral and ethical values in our societies. As a result of exceptional scientific innovations, it can also be asked that whether the human beings will be able to maintain a balance between the two. It can be said that the ever gaining pace of scientific research and technological production is the main root of moral dilemmas prevalent in our society today. Looking at the condition of our society, it is essential to discuss the ethical situation as compared to the speedy progress in the field of technology. Humans have always been highly acute when it comes to methodizing themselves into a social system and in this way human race has always strived to achieve the best of a governing authority. In an ideal society, ruling class should have the highest interest in the population it governs and people’s interest ranges from smallest needs such as food, protection and clothing to higher elaborated needs as power and wealth. Now, if it is closely observed, all the concerns in people’s heart are ignited by a common motivation; a motivation to achieve happiness and peace of mind. Therefore it can be said that in an ideal society, people should be given the right to acquire the happiness and mental satisfaction that they desire. However, it has been evaluated that an unrestricted reproduction rate of any civilization or society will be a hindrance in the path of an ideal society. Therefore, in my opinion, any society that is over populated cannot be rated as an idealized society; thus a controlled ratio of citizens that is necessary for the society to be self-sustaining is a must. In a balanced society, equilibrium should be maintained where every citizen contributes equally as a vital source. In this way, a true sense of unity and belongingness will prevail within the society and its members. Such a society can prove to be an ideal base for a stronger society where better moral, ethical and social conditions exist. However, due to the fast paced advancements in scientific industry and flashing progress in the world of technology, the chances of such a society to prevail are merely non-existent. On the other hand, there are many examples that portray the role that technological advancements have played towards drastically revolutionizing our society. But at the same time these breakthroughs have deprived us of our social, moral and ethical values. Likewise, there was a news update, not long ago, regarding the DNA sample that belonged to a Danish woman that was collected from her blood sample given in 1980s. Her DNA has been utilized by the same British organization that has genetically produced Dolly, the sheep and it is used in the production process of New Zealand sheep. This happened without her consent or knowledge. The firm further plans to obtain a certain type of protein from the genetically altered milk extracted from these sheep; a kind that might be helpful towards curing of ailments like cystic fibrosis. Taking into consideration another recent example of an American duo that opted for advanced fertility scientific technology so that they could pick up a fertile ovum that would eventually produce a boy. The demand was not just for a boy but this boy was further genetically fit to donate bone marrow to his elder sister, who would die otherwise. The ethical concerns in such situations force us to think about what exactly these drastic biological implications have brought upon us. Such prevailing situations add to the ever increasing moral dilemma in our society. We are found confused whether to abort the unborn that is predicted to become a disabled child or one that might not posses certain qualities such as required intellectual potential or the right sex. It can be said that in the name of scientific and technological advancements, we humans have only reincarnated human suffering and sacrifice which has further faded our moral conscience, sentiments and sensibilities. This situation that involves dominating ethical crises is put to a new height by our society’s moral degradation of spiritual, cultural and traditional values. Throughout the history, we have never felt a need, so bad for a stronger, spiritual and ethical foundation which will assist us to sense the direction and pace of technology. Still our religious, commercial and political leadership proves to be entirely ineffective when it comes to provision of such a guidance or direction and therefore in today’s society a common man will find himself chained in an unusual, ever deteriorating spiritual and moral condition. Hence, due to accelerating scientific and technological progression, it becomes ironic that on this day, we are probably less morally and ethically equipped as a proper society to deal with the problems than at any given period in our recent times. Due to the high competition and fast paced world, people often mistake where exactly and how exactly they can attain peace of mind and better moral conditions. The actual fact is that there is a dire need for all the societies to make improvements in their moral and ethical situations. They need to understand that technology and science are not the only fields where progress can put an end to the ever growing moral dilemma. That time has come when we take this issue seriously, motivate our younger generations, and support them to construct better societies where firm ethical situations prevail. In this way we can ensure and guarantee a better future and a secure society for the generations to come. Read More