Can relinquishment of technology preserve our future?

As Bill Joy (2000) suggests the humanity should practice relinquishment in case of some particular technology cannot be supported by me and I am loath to believe that although some thoughts of the reasons behind relinquishment is true, the total abandonment of a technological development is the answer to our problem. The humanity is now days dependent on the technology for many aspects of our life. Some developments like the nuclear, biotechnology and chemicals has limited scope but the scope for the gene manipulation, nanotechnology and robotics have infinite scope for the future of humanity.





 Like whether the cloning of animals should progress to humans or not, although the question of morality is raised, the benefits of such developments cannot be overlooked anymore. “The gene manipulation can produce monsters so it should be abandoned”, this is a baseless and backward thought as what can be done can also be undone. What would anyone who believes the statement say when some new disease kills all livestock and gene manipulation is the only way to provide livestock resilient to the disease. This example only proves the fact that the intent is the main concern about the technological breakthroughs and only human nature and intent can be responsible for disaster. The technology itself has vast potential of doing good or bad based on the intent of the user.
The only way to stop this is not relinquishment as Bill Joy suggests, as it would stop human development in its tracks. The proper monitoring and control over the technology is what is needed. If someone is to blame for the disasters caused by technology it is the person intended the use. Therefore, the person should be held responsible for the disaster. It can be said that the technology is the tool and the human is the wielder of the weapon who decides on whether to destroy or create the future of humanity.
 

.Joy, B. (2000). Why the future doesn’t need us. Nanoethics. The Ethical and Social Implications of Nanotechnology, 17-30. 

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