Ethical adaptation and legal regulation of modern technology

Abstract

The efficiency and convenience afforded by modern technology have increased its importance to society in recent years. However, the risks and ethical issues associated with it can lead to many social problems. There is consensus in the academic community that standardizing the research and development of modern technology can help solve those problems. Although different in scope, ethical adaptation and legal regulation are both effective ways to regulate modern technology. Ethical adaptation is mainly used to optimize the environment of research and development on modern technology. The coordination of Dao (the ‘way’ in classical Chinese philosophy) and technology is a means of constructing a rational technical ethic. The social construction of technology provides the possibility for Dao–technology coordination, and responsible innovation is a responsibility that should be shouldered by technical workers. The ethical adaptation of modern technology has a significant influence but limited restraints. When ethical adaptation cannot function, it is necessary to consider technical behaviour within the scope of legal regulations and restrain modern technology by formulating and implementing a legal system for it. The relevant laws are grounded in the coercive force of the state and are far more effective than ethical norms. Moreover, a lack of ethics for technological actors has caused some negative consequences in the application of technology. When formulating laws regarding technology, it is important to include science and technology policies and ethical norms to complete the legal system for technology. The derivative effect of modern technology requires the joint action of ethics and law. Only when they coordinate with and promote each other can the benign development of modern technology and the orderly development of modern society be realized.