Implicit values in technology assessment

A plea for reflexive normativity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14512/tatup.28.1.15

Keywords:

technology assessment, values, epistemic neutrality, reflexive normativity

Abstract

In terms of its objectives, philosophical presuppositions, and methodological procedures, technology assessment (TA) is – like other methods of systematic knowledge production too – characterized by normative selectivities. In contrast to ethical and societal aspects related to its object of investigation, they are not always explicitly addressed. This poses a problem regarding the transparency and neutrality of TA. The concept of “reflexive normativity” proposed here aims at making the value relations of TA transparent and avoiding epistemic-normative selectivities. The resulting plurality can be utilized productively to further develop TA. Therefore, the concept proposed here is a contribution to both theory discussion and quality assurance of TA.

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Published

03.04.2019

How to Cite

1.
Kollek R. Implicit values in technology assessment: A plea for reflexive normativity. TATuP [Internet]. 2019 Apr. 3 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];28(1):15-20. Available from: https://www.tatup.de/index.php/tatup/article/view/192