Explain, in detail, Technological Optimism and Technological Pessimism.

Then explain
how both viewpoints are important when analyzing a new technology that is coming into
a given industry or field. Either cite an example that has already occurred or make one
up (if you do this be prepared to explain all surrounding details in the situation that
would be relevant to this technology).

Perhaps the most controversial subject matter found in Chapter 4 of the text is the
discussion on how people perceive the implications that arise from the development of
new technologies. To facilitate the categorization of a persons response to a particular
technology, the author has defined two key terms: technological optimism and
technological pessimism. Technological optimism is an expression used to describe an
individuals positive point of view towards the introduction and existence of new ideas,
concepts, and methods. Essentially, someone who demonstrates technological
optimism accepts the technology as inherently good for the human experience while
downplaying some of the unwanted residual effects that may result. Alternatively,
technological pessimism is the belief that technology, although beneficial, has
significant negative consequences on society and individuals in general.
In the text, two researchers from the Netherlands, Ibo van de Poel and A. C. van Gorp,
illustrate how issues for ethical reflection can arise in the design process by using the
design of a sustainable car as an example. Weight reduction is closely associated with
improving a cars efficiency; however, the major consequence is that the overall safety
of the vehicle becomes worse as result. Therefore, this led to a discussion under the
topic of ethical consideration and essentially attempted to answer the following
question: Is the value of sustainability derived from an obligation to respect nature for
its own sake or from an obligation to allow future generations to fulfill their needs? The
significance of this dilemma is that it is a manifestation of the importance that both
technological optimism and pessimism have in any decision making process. A
technological optimist views sustainability as an opportunity to improve the environment
at the expense of putting human lives at stake. Meanwhile, the technological pessimist
would feel the opposite and consider human life more valuable and be in favor of
maintaining safety standards.
Despite the fact that these two opinions contrast each other, they are both integral in the
process of enabling engineers to develop a critical attitude towards technology and
recognize both the desirable and undesirable aspects that arise from it. The authors put

it best when they described the solution to this controversy: involving technological
optimism and technological pessimism is not one that we must resolve one way or the
other; indeed, finding a middle ground is more ideal. In doing so, engineers with this
attitude can promote democratic deliberation about technology policy and better identify
the value issues that also come about, primarily in design. Overall, by weighing both
viewpoints of any situation one is able to consider all forms of consequences and reach
a decision that benefits the greater good of society.

In one project, the challenge was to design a sustainable car, where sustainability
was closely associated with light weight. Light weight tended to make the car less safe,
however, so the values of safety and sustainability had to be discussed and their relative
moral weight determined. Even with respect to sustainability, ethical considerations
surfaced.
Engineers should develop a critical attitude toward technology that recognizes both
technologys desirable and undesirable aspects.