The Philosophy of Technology: Advancing the Intelligent World

A couple of kilometers away from Bibliotheca Alexandria in Egypt where, many years ago, I chose computer science as my major field of study in engineering at Alexandria University. 

At that time, computer science engineering was not as well-known as other traditional engineering fields such as civil, chemical, industrial, electronics, and architecture. 

My father asked me, why computer science? What exactly you will do after you graduate? What is the philosophy behind the technology that you will learn?

At that moment I didn’t have clear answers to his questions. All I knew was that computer science engineering was a new area of technology where I could learn advanced hardware computer development and programming languages (BASIC, Fortran, COBOL, and Assembly languages for those who might remember them!), and that it would satisfy my passion for technology. Funny enough, ‘computer’ back then translated from common spoken Arabic into ‘electronic brain’! I think it was an early vision of today’s artificial intelligence era!

Over the years, delving into real life and a career path, I broadened my subsequent job moves into the larger global ICT realm. 

I have witnessed the evolution of the tech race between the giant global telecom leaders, some of whom have disappeared, while some lagged behind as others jostled for a leading position. I was also lucky enough to work in the six continents, moving east to west and then north to south.

That also gave me the privilege of developing an in-depth understanding of how technologies impact the socioeconomic dimensions of people’s lives and behaviors.

The philosophy of technology

Decades after graduating from university, the question still resonates in my mind: What is the philosophy behind technology?

By definition, the philosophy of technology is a sub-field of philosophy that deals with the nature of technology and its effects on human life and society rather than focusing on the technology itself.

Philosophical reflection on technology is as old as philosophy itself, triggered in the earliest human civilizations including Mesopotamia, ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and China.

For example, old carpentry tools were a technology that supported and simplified construction using wood. The ramp and lever were inventions to facilitate the construction of the pyramids. The rope was a means to strengthen ships’ beams for transporting goods and people and to drive exploration. Paper, made from papyrus, was a new writing media to record events, stories, and processes. And of course, medicine developed as a technology with an obvious application.

Now, fast forward to the 21^st century and technology has become one of the basic factors of modern society, an integral part of everyone’s lives that directly impacts society, the environment, and economy.

It is evident all around us how technology drives national development, competitiveness, and prosperity.

Who will follow and who will lead?

The obvious question is who will lead and who will follow in this fast-evolving technological era?

The simple answer is self-explanatory within the definition of the philosophy of technology itself: the leaders will be those who enable and develop the technologies that first serve the purposes of human prosperity, development, and sustainability.

The technologies that develop the potential of humanity and that create trust between technology and society have a clear path of co-evolution between technology and society, solve real-world problems, and are built on actual needs  To put technology under the control of humanity as a tool for good, rather than as a tool that controls humanity, is a precondition for its positive impact.

Those who offer the right approach and discipline to push the ethics of technology as the main framework of humanity, social development, and prosperity provide a win-win proposition.

Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative shows how partnerships and technology can drive inclusion and sustainability

AI is a perfect example

On its current path to becoming an autonomous technology that achieves AGI, AI is raising global concerns and triggering debates about its impact on people and society.

History tells us that technological progress is inevitable and that the genie cannot be put back in the bottle, and concerns about AI are spreading as fast as the technology evolves.

Unanswered concerns have also triggered calls around the globe for actions and initiatives that can guide the development of AI and its technological foundation to serve the purpose that it initially started with. The good news is that recent outcomes from global guidelines and regional regulations can help illuminate the direction AI takes to serve the best interests of humanity.

Regulations could responsibly transform concerns into a collaborative exercise for risk management that would create processes and controls for mitigating the probability of undesirable outcomes created by AI deviating from its initial intent.

The role of education is rising

In addition to global regulations under development, hopes are rising that education will continue to be the most important proven path for truly developing humanity’s potential.

Educational and research institutions around the globe are pushing to evolve education practices that adapt with the technology, create a shift, and inspire new generations to develop competencies that transform themselves and their potential. Education can define a clearer path in wider society, the economy, and environment for future sustainable development, whether in medicine, engineering, science, arts, humanities, law, economy, or another discipline.

Advancing the intelligent world

The second important attribute of who would take the lead is being able to clearly articulate their philosophy and create a collaborative environment, where the positive power of human collaboration and diversity can shape positive outcomes and differentiate itself from those taking a more isolated approach.

Expanding the meaning of collaboration is a win-win proposition that encourages and promotes openness, cross-national, and cross-organizational dialogues for the co-evolution of technology and society.

For that to be successful, we must prioritize shared understanding, responsibly manage concerns, blend technology and education, promote regulation and open-competition, cultivate innovation, endorse international standards, and prioritize sharing value and principles across borders.

Stakeholders at all levels must embrace and support technology as an indispensable tool in human development and prosperity. Empowering youth and fostering collaboration among governments, NGOs, local communities, and technology providers can drive sustainability and commit to long-term plans for continuous learning and capacity development.

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Disclaimer: Any views and/or opinions expressed in this post by individual authors or contributors are their personal views and/or opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Huawei Technologies.