Tegnologie en morele opbou

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between technology and moral regeneration. The first question we confront is whether technology can be described as value-neutral. If it can be described as such, it functions as a neutral tool that can be used for either good or evil. The paper points towards an alternative understanding of technology, informed by Heidegger's "The question concerning technology". Within this understanding, technology in itself is value-laden, i.e. the mere existence of certain technological devices enables a certain way of living and makes certain alternatives impossible. As such, modern technology entails the danger of threatening the essence of humankind, which is to poetically enable the revealing of truth. Technology does, however, also contain a saving power, which resides in its capacity to allow human beings to remain the site where new truth can emerge. AFRIKAANS: Hierdie bydrae bied 'n refleksie op die verband tussen tegnologie en morele heropbou. Die moontlikheid dat tegnologie waarde-neutraal is, word ondersoek. 'n Alternatiewe beskouing, wat tegnologie as op sigself waarde-belaaid beskou, word aangebied. Daar word aangedui dat moderne tegnologie sekere essensiële aspekte van outentieke menswees kan ondermyn. Instrumentele oorwegings soos spoed, bekostigbaarheid en gerief ontneem die mens van die meer poëtiese vermoë om waarheidsontsluiering te fasiliteer. Die reddende krag waaroor tegnologie kan beskik, kom na vore wanneer dit laasgenoemde moontlik maak.