A Dangerous Master (How to Keep Technology from Slipping Beyond Our Control) - 9781591813163

There is no doubt that we're in an era of remarkable scientific advancement. From nanotechnology to synthetic organisms, new developments are poised to radically transform the human experience. Yet, profound growth comes with profound risks: a drone can drop a bomb just as easily as it can deliver your groceries; 3D printers can make personal firearms as well as tools and medical devices, and powerful supercomputers can take down a major financial institution just as easily as they can manage your stock portfolio. In A Dangerous Master, renowned ethicist Wendell Wallach delves into the moral challenges of these advancements, urging both creators and users to address the moral and ethical complexities of rapid technological growth. Despite the promise of scientific innovation, Wallach warns of technology spiraling beyond human control. The book examines resistance to meaningful regulation, while proposing solutions to regain control of our technological future. Wallach's narrative provides a balanced analysis, offering stark warnings alongside hope, compelling us to confront the practical--and moral--dimensions of our creations.