Hans Jonas’ Vision of Responsible Politics for the Technological Civilization Cover Image

Hanso Jonaso atsakingos politikos vizija technologinėje civilizacijoje
Hans Jonas’ Vision of Responsible Politics for the Technological Civilization

Author(s): Linas Jokubaitis
Subject(s): Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Environmental interactions, Ontology
Published by: Lietuvos kultūros tyrimų
Keywords: technology; ethic; responsibility; fear; paternalism; freedom; ontology;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to reconstruct Hans Jonas’ vision of ethics for the technological civilization and to highlight the challenges that are faced in the attempt to provide an ontological grounding for such ethics. The attempt to develop the ethics of responsibility is inseparable from the affirmation of paternalistic political positions, which leads towards apologetics of total governmental control. In the face of dangers created by modern technology, Jonas argues that attempts to safeguard the existence of humanity are best served by a government that controls all aspects of life. Jonas maintains that in the face of various dangers created by modern technologies, a relationship with them, which is based on fear, becomes pragmatic and rational. A positive evaluation of fear leads towards reactionary political tendencies. Philosopher’s imperative is based on the duty to protect „genuine” human life, however, his vision of total technocratic government could lead to an absolute dehumanization of humanity. It is therefore concluded that Jonas‘ vision of ethics is incompatible with the political ethics of liberal democracy.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 16
  • Page Range: 109-123
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Lithuanian