APPRAISAL OF HYPER TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN THE LIGHT OF PANTALEON IROEGBU’S MODEL (A PHILOSOPHICAL INSIGHT)

Résumé

One major characteristic of contemporary times is the rapid technological advancements in various sectors with a magic-like speed that one cannot help but wonder about the place of man amidst such “hyper-technological strides” in the years to come. Today, the innovations made by Artificial Intelligence-driven technologies and systems not only promise greater efficiency in the delivery of goods and services but also display alarming speed and accuracy in carrying out work that was hitherto done by humans. Within this era, one has witnessed the emergence of high technologies in information communication technology (ICT), robotics, innovations in aerospace technology, and biotechnological breakthroughs in the fields of medicine and agriculture. Education and banking sectors were not left out. The questions are: how does this hyper-technological trend impact man? Would the achievements of technology in our epoch be said to have advanced the course of life without any effects on the traditional dignity enjoyed by man as a proactive being in the course of life? Or, would we say that the uncensored explorations and achievements of hyper technology could have adverse effects on human dignity and man’s existential appreciation of life in the years to come? It is to these critical questions that this paper makes recourse to the Ethical Thesis of Pantaleon Iroegbu, on the “Enwisdomization of Technology” in a bid to evaluate the circumstances and thus gain deeper philosophical insights on the status quo of the proper place of man in the current wave of technological advancements. The method employed for this inquiry is philosophical analysis, as this will allow for a deeper understanding of the concepts being studied, thus providing insights into the right source of critique. Pantaleon’s recommendation of the “Enwisdomization” project as a critical attitude to life issues provides an outstanding ground for constructive critique of hyper technology in an era where values and ethical requirements for decision and action tend to be relegated to the background. Technology is supposed to advance the course of human life in all ramifications, and nothing less should be accepted. Technology is made for man’s aggrandizement and not the other way round.