The imperative of responsibility in response to modern technique

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to present an ethics of Hans Jonas' responsibility as a response to modern technique and a repercussion of its negative effects in the future. In view of the unbalanced growth in the power of technique, traditional ethics have failed to offer answers that guide human actions in comparison to those brought about by technological civilization. The horizon of anthropocentric ethics aimed only at the present. Therefore, it is necessary to have an ethics that breaks with the frontiers of the present and the future. The methodological path based on hermeneutics that consists of undertaking analyzes and interpretations taking into account the historical context in which the technique developed and its possible consequences not only for the present, but also for future human and extra-human life. The ethics of responsibility aims at caring for life. It is also characterized by the non-reciprocity of actions, based on the parental and political model. In view of this, the philosopher emphasizes the heuristic of fear, that is, prudence in the use of modern technique so that not only man, but also nature has the right to exist. This theme is necessary in the current situation given the unbalanced growth of the technique and the impacts that the environment has been suffering affecting humanity. In view of this, Jonasian ethics proposes the permanence of an authentic life on earth.