Epistemic-Based Ethics for Science and Technology: Achieving Sustainable Planetary Wellbeing

Akinpelu A. Oyekunle

doi:10.25159/2413-3086/17029

Authors

Akinpelu A. Oyekunle Department of Philosophy Practical and Systematic Theology, UNISA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1697-7233

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2413-3086/17029

Keywords:

Planetary Wellbeing, Science, Technology, Epistemology, Ethics, Genetic Engineering, Sustainability

Abstract

Today’s scientific and technological world operates largely with a frontier mentality. The effect of this mentality on modernity, human civilisation and planetary wellbeing is alarming. Just as science aided the development of the modern world, many ecological challenges, ecosystemic destruction and biodiversity loss are also engendered by scientific or technological inventions. Therefore, it is suitable to investigate how science and technology can be hinged firmly on a value-oriented framework, rather than outstripping value in response to its own progressive logic. This article reports on a case study that, among other things, attempted to formulate an ethic of the planetary system. It is argued that such an ethical stance is best encapsulated by the case study’s envisioned epistemic-based ethics (EBE). Drawing insights from previous empirical case studies of genetic engineering (GE), the current case study employed the philosophico-phenomenological method to investigate GE. Conceptual clarification and hermeneutical methods were used to re-interpret texts, while the logical reconstruction of existing ideas was employed to aid the development and application of the envisioned EBE framework. Therefore, the article concludes that EBE is a suitable framework for developing science and technological output that has a value-laden stance. Such an attitude would not only assist in making decisions where value-laden questions in technological advancement are concerned, but also guide choices towards a sustainable planetary wellbeing.

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