Keynote by Soraj Hongladarom

In this talk, I take up the issues raised by Gunter Bombaerts and others (Bombaerts et al, forthcoming) about the hybrid approach to the intercultural and comparative dimensions in ethics of technology. I argue that the hybrid approach can be strengthened by a theory of ethics that is based on the idea that ethical norms are based on local and empirical conditions. In other words, I argue that the hybridity approach of Bombaerts and others should be supplemented by an argument to the effect that the hybrid norms that function in a discussion of an ethics of technology should be founded upon historical conditions in a local area. 

To illustrate this point, I look at how governance systems of AI vary according to different cultures. The Chinese system, for example, differs from the European one in many ways. I argue that the systems are results of long-standing cultural belief systems, and these systems provide the ethical norms for each tradition.

I argue further in the talk that these different norms do not necessarily imply that they are in conflict. But even though they are in conflict, there will be negotiations to the effect that each cultural tradition can exist alongside one another.

Reference

Bombaerts, G, et al. (Forthcoming). What makes hybridity good? A transformation research agenda for an intercultural comparative ethics of technology.