Mission
The 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology (3TU.Ethics) brings together the expertise of the philosophy departments of the three technical universities in the Netherlands (Delft, Eindhoven, Twente) in the field of ethics of science, technology and engineering. 3TU.Ethics builds upon the excellent international reputation of the three participating universities in this field. The joint venture allows for close collaboration in research as well as teaching, outreach and contract research in both the private and public sector. More specifically the mission of 3TU.Ethics is:
- To stimulate and undertake interdisciplinary and applied research in the field of ethics and technology;
- To stimulate and undertake fundamental research in ethics relevant for the field of ethics and technology;
- To stimulate and undertake activities in the field of teaching in ethics and technology;
- To act as an intermediary between the philosophy departments involved in 3TU.Ethics on the one hand and public debates and the media on the other.
Motivation
Science and technology are of paramount social, political and economic importance in the 21st century. They are not only drivers of economic and social developments; they shape our societies, practices and institutions. In order to come to grips with science and technology and to make adequate and appropriate political and policy decisions regarding them, we need to reflect on the ethical aspects of their development, the moral acceptability of their application, and their contribution to the quality of life and well-being. It is now widely recognized that technologies must be developed and used responsibly, as many choices are involved with major implications for health and safety, environmental quality, civil liberties, social justice, and the quality of life.
It is relatively easy to embark on unfettered technological development. Many of the Asian new economies do so, but it is much harder to incorporate our considered moral values in research, design, development and production. Nevertheless the ability and knowledge to do so may be an important differentiator between mere clever technology and engineering and smart and responsible innovations. It is fitting for the three technical universities of the Netherlands, who are at the forefront of these developments internationally, to take up this responsibility by investing in research in the field of ethics of technology.
Education is important as well. Engineers and scientists are often confronted with ethical questions in their professional life. The knowledge and the technology they produce directly influence the well-being of individuals. This raises serious questions with regard to the responsibility, accountability and liability of engineers. The education of engineers should prepare them thoroughly and systematically for dealing with such ethical questions. This is reflected in the American ABET criteria for engineering curricula, as well as in the 3TU-criteria for academic bachelor and master curricula.
The bundling of forces in the field of ethics and technology in the 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology accommodates the increasing need for balanced, high quality and comprehensive reflection and judgment on moral, political and policy issues associated with science and technology.
