Introduction
Ian Barbour is one of the most significant contributors to the current discussion between science and religion. Freeman Dyson is one of the most important and well-known intellectuals of our time. These two remarkable minds have made significant contributions to the debates on technology and how it relates to liberty and social justice. Even though technology has traditionally impeded the advancement of social justice and freedom, they both think that it would be better if it were used in order to help people in need.
Ian Barbour
There are three perspectives on how science, technology, and society are related, according to Ian Barbour. He refers to technological determinism, contextual interaction, and linear development (Barbour, 1993). According to the school of thinking known as linear development, science develops technology, which subsequently affects society (Barbour, 1993). There are many levels of technological determinism, which holds that social structure and scientific views are determined by current technology. Contextual Interaction, the third model, asserts that Science, Technology, and Society all collaborate based on diverse contexts and with a reciprocal exchange of impact (Barbour, 1993). He claims, “The welfare of humanity requires creative technology that is economically productive, ecologically sound, socially just, and personally fulfilling” (Barbour, 1993). His fundamental argument is that technology use should once again be centered on humanity rather than the individual.
Freeman Dyson
Freeman Dyson has frequently discussed how simple it is to locate historical instances of technology advancing social justice. He uses the printing press as an example of how it allowed knowledge to be shared among the masses rather than just the affluent. It brought books and education out of monasteries (Nizer, 1997). Additionally, he refers to more contemporary developments, such as those in public health: clean water, sewage treatment, vaccines, and antibiotics (Nizer, 1997). Although the ability exists, these more advanced technologies have yet to be widely adopted by all countries.
The main goal of Dyson’s philosophy is to move societies that rely on technology away from the rich and toward uplifting the underprivileged. His focus has always been on space, but he believes that modern technology can solve many of the world’s societal issues (Nizer, 1997). He wants to use the Internet, genetic engineering, and solar energy as our primary tools to achieve social justice (Nizer, 1997). It is a fantastic concept that he aims to combine genetic engineering with solar collection using a system of biological solar collectors that have undergone genetic engineering. Science can grow trees for energy crops rather than cutting down trees to build solar farms (Nizer, 1997). A genuinely global internet is required for genuine global social justice, and the Internet is getting closer to Dyson’s goals (Rustad, 2015). In only a few years, an internet service will connect even the most isolated towns and villages, allowing us to share opportunities and information regardless of where you are on our magnificent blue marble.
Twitch
The Twitch platform, which was previously mentioned in articles, gives a sneak peek at how Dyson’s third major technology, may level the playing field economically, regardless of location. In more than 100 countries, 55 million people access the Twitch. tv live-streaming service from their homes (Iqbal, 2023). More than 20 hours of content are viewed each week by 58% of these individuals (Iqbal, 2023). This material includes corporate-sponsored Electronic Sports programming and original videos produced by independent streamers in the hopes that it will amuse viewers. This makes it possible for anyone, everywhere (as long as they have access to high-speed Internet), to participate in this recently developed USD 1.4 million annual market (Iqbal, 2023). People are only at the start of a worldwide revolution using cutting-edge technology to promote and inspire social equality and justice for all people.
References
Barbour, I. G. (1993). Chapter 1: Views of Technology. In Ethics in an age of Technology, HarperSanFrancisco. Web.
Nizer, L. (1997). Nizer Lectures (1994–1998): Technology and Social Justice. Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Web.
Iqbal, M. (2023). Twitch revenue and Usage Statistics (2023). Business of Apps. Web.
Rustad, M. L. (2015). Global internet law in a Nutshell (3rd ed.). West Academic Publishing.