Normative Principles Related to Technology
What we have to do is identify the proper place of computer technology. Instead of allowing it to render our responsibility superfluous, we have to realize that it increase our responsibility. Schuurman, Egbert. Perspectives on Technology and Culture (Sioux Center, IA: Dordt College Press, 1995), 110. |
The computer is a technology for storing, analyzing, and retrieving information. Technology, as seen in the light of the creation-fall-redemption phases of history, is a tool that extends our humanity, both in our goodness as we bear the image of God, and in our sin as fallen humankind. Technology is also a part of our cultural heritage. When God mandated the people He had created to fill the earth and subdue it, Reformed Christians take that as a mandate to explore the earth, to produce creative work from it, to build and invent, to create culture. A significant aspect of the culture that we are commanded to produce is technology.
In the book Responsible Technology (pp. 71–75), the authors suggest eight normative principles that can guide our activities related to technology. The authors believe these principles can help us to follow God's will as it relates to our design and use of technology.
This principle depends on finding the appropriate cultural balance between these five opposite poles:
This means being open about the information to which one has access.
Clear communication is necessary between all involved with or affected by the technology.
Resources ought to be respected, not exploited, through careful and balanced use.
Technology ought to be a joy to use because it performs its function well, because it is pleasing to use in performing this function, and it promotes right relationships through its use.
Technology ought to promote giving all persons what is rightfully due them as God's image bearers.
Technology ought to promote love and caring for persons and resources acting as a servant to safeguard their well-being.
Technology must first be dependable. That is, its appearance must match its use, and that use must be safe. Secondly, use of technology should spring out of a faith in God, not in the technology itself.