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The Dissenter

#1058 Marc Steen: Ethics for People Who Work in Tech

Feb 13, 2025
Marc Steen, a senior research scientist at TNO and expert in Human-Centred Design, delves into the ethics of technology. He introduces a three-step approach for ethical reflection crucial for tech professionals. The discussion challenges traditional views on value in tech, critiques big tech’s alignment with societal interests, and tackles the complexities of ethical dilemmas like the trolley problem. Steen emphasizes the need for responsibility and proposes structured frameworks to foster informed discussions on technology's impact on society.
01:01:50

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ethics in technology development is an ongoing process that emphasizes dialogue and reflection among team members and stakeholders.
  • A humanistic approach to technology ethics prioritizes the well-being of individuals and society, advocating for fairness and addressing social inequities.

Deep dives

Ethics as a Process

Ethics in technology development is best understood as a process rather than a set of checkboxes. This involves engaging in conversations and reflections among team members and stakeholders when facing ethical dilemmas. By fostering open dialogues about privacy concerns, bias, and other ethical issues, teams can adapt their products according to the insights gained from these discussions. This method emphasizes reflection and iterative improvements rather than merely ensuring compliance with standards.

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