In an age, where technology is inescapable, we must ask
ourselves where technology brings about the good and where it can lead us
astray.
Technology is a broad term. It can mean anything from a
smart phone to a medical device to a toaster oven. Technology has allowed us to
do things that we were never able to do before: live longer, communicate faster
and easier across any distance, and enjoy many small conveniences in our
everyday life (like making toast). All
these things seem pretty good, so where can technology lead to not so great
things?
While we could get into a whole discussion about the ethics
of medical technology (think: embryonic stem cell research, cloning, designer
babies), that’s not the point of this post. I want to look at where the
development of technology has affected our every day culture. Look at what Gadium
et Spes has to say about culture:
Culture, because it flows immediately from the spiritual and social character of man, has constant need of a just liberty in order to develop; it needs also the legitimate possibility of exercising its autonomy according to its own principles. It therefore rightly demands respect and enjoys a certain inviolability within the limits of the common good, as long, of course, as it preserves the rights of the individual and the community, whether particular or universal. (59)
So what does this definition of culture have to do with
technology? I think it is important to
look at how the technology we use every day affects the common good, as the common
good is necessary for the development of culture. Let's see what has been technology’s affect on the common good – of the community and
the individual.
With the rise of personal technology – computers,
TVs, smartphones – less people seek the arts for entertainment. I would argue
that this is a great loss for culture and the common good. Gadium et spes agrees:
Literature and the arts are also, in their own way, of great importance… they strive to make known the proper nature of man, his problems and his experiences in trying to perfect both himself and the world. They have much to do with revealing mans place in in history and the world; with illustrating the miseries and joys, the needs and strengths of man and with a foreshadowing of a better life for him. (62)
Understanding the true nature of man is invaluable for
culture. So much of culture is founded in literature and the arts. I know that
the arts have certainly not disappeared, but many have lost interest, and I
think this affects both communities and individual common good. Without a
means of understanding what makes us all human, what unites us, there is a
danger of becoming extremely divided and caught up in our own individuality.
If “culture is to be subordinated to the integral perfection
of the human person, to the good of community and of the whole society” (59),
then so should technology.
This was a great post, Marisa! I think it's an especially interesting topic to look into, as we are both biomedical engineering majors. Technology brings about many ethical and moral questions, especially in the medical field. I like how you took the approach of looking at technology on a day to day basis and how it can affect culture daily. You did a great job of incorporating Gaudium et spes into your writing and explaining the quotes!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you concern about literature and the arts! As an actor myself I strive to get more people engaged in theatre, whether that means by encouraging them to audition for a show, see a show, or simply discuss themes addressed in a show. We've come to a point in society that actors can sometimes be considered objects to entertain rather than catalysts for social discussion, so I am happy that you recognize the importance of the arts in culture!
ReplyDeleteYou make a very valid point of trying to use technology to promote and create culture, instead of being confined by technology. Technology has led to the creation of important cultural categories such as music and film, but it should be subordinated as a way to promote culture, much like how culture needs to be subordinated to the integral perfection of the human being.
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