Philosophy as expert examination

Abstract

This is a written account of a panel discussion on the role of philosophy when it is made to function as expert examination. This application of philosophy is getting more prominence with the increasing impact of new technologies on the world and on humans. Tendencies in the development and implementation of human-oriented technologies induce one to consider the prospects of a radical change in the physical, psychological, intellectual and even moral qualities of man, and to reflect on the effects of putting such technologies into practice. The panelists were unanimous in rejecting the tenets of 'technological determinism' according to which man and human society have no control over the direction of technological progress and are left to adapt to the changes brought about by new technologies. They agreed that one could, and should, try to foresee the consequences of the multiform influence technology exerts on humans, which could not be achieved without employing philosophical imagination and the tools of rational thinking elaborated by philosophy. The practice of the European Council Committee on Bioethics may serve here as illustration: they involve philosophers in the discussion of the impact development of new technologies has on human rights and on the dignity of man. Another aspect of the appraisal function acquired by philosophy can be seen in the history of virtualistics: this new field of study has demonstrated the urgent need for philosophical expert examination of scientists' Weltanschauung and has revealed, through an analysis, inter alia, of Chernobyl nuclear accident, the risks of new technologies.