TED Talks Daily How technology changes our sense of right and wrong | Juan Enriquez
Feb 4, 2021
Juan Enriquez, a futurist exploring technology and ethics, dives into how tech shapes our moral compass. He offers a historical perspective, revealing past societal norms like human sacrifice and how technological progress can lead to more ethical behavior today. Enriquez discusses the shift in morality spurred by social media, urging open dialogue in a polarized world. He highlights how evolving technologies, including synthetic meats, challenge our values and advocate for compassion as we navigate this complex moral landscape.
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Shifting Ethics
- Right and wrong are not static; they evolve over time, influenced by societal and technological shifts.
- Human sacrifice, public executions, and slavery, once considered normal, are now condemned, illustrating this evolution.
Public Executions
- Historically, public executions were commonplace, even considered family events.
- Parents would bring their children to witness beheadings in the streets of Paris, highlighting the stark contrast in societal norms.
Technology's Impact on Discourse
- Technology shapes our interactions and can create societal divisions.
- Just as machine guns led to trench warfare, social media creates ideological trenches, hindering meaningful discussion.