Working group meeting about “Ethics in science and new technologies” 18 May 2021

Abstract

It is my pleasure and honour to participate in this webinar on ‘Ethics in Science and New Technologies’ organised by the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue. In my presentation I intend to share with you some reflections on my experience since 2005 as a member of the European Group of Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) in order to highlight what this high-level interdisciplinary group of independent experts stands for. More specifically, I would like to focus on the dynamic and evolving scope of the ethical concerns in science, new technologies and innovation on the European landscape and on the future role of ethics in European and global governance. Scientific progress and technological innovation have a major impact on society at large and the public opinion. So, upholding the neutrality of science and technology would not be amoral, but immoral. Technologies require the recognition that they embody values. In fact, technologies have a clear moral dimension - that is to say, a fundamental aspect that relates to values, ethics and norms. Certainly, technologies reflect the interests, behaviours and desires of their creators, and shape how the people using them can realise their potential, identities, relationships and goals. [Excerpt]