Technics, law, and morality at the speed of light: probing the precautionary principle. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rose, Phil
• Is Part Of: Review of communication. Volume 17:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Media ecology -- moral philosophy -- political philosophy -- sociotechnical conflict -- precautionary principle -- cultural acceleration; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.2
• DOI: 10.1080/15358593.2017.1367822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1535-8593

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Paul Goodman's argument that "whether or not it draws on new scientific research, technology is a branch of moral philosophy, not of science" is an earlier formulation of what emerged in the 1980s as the "precautionary principle." It constitutes a new approach that shifts the burden of proof from those who a technological development has adversely affected (caveat emptor) to that development's producers (caveat venditor), who must demonstrate prior to its undertaking that it does not imply damaging or irreversible risks. Its greatest success has come within the framework of the European Union, which, by seeking to integrate it into international treaties, has wished to make it the standard by which governments regulate technoscientific innovations. But acceptance of this principle is not universal, and a rift has grown in international governance, pertaining to grievances about "protectionism." Exploring the intersection between media ecology and moral and political philosophy, I outline some of the potentially catastrophic threats we face ecologically as a result of our wanton application of technique. I maintain it is necessary in terms of long-term survival to alleviate the gravity of our present situation through universal adoption of the precautionary principle in matters related to both domestic and international governance.