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Why is suspicion a pitfall in communicating ethical risks to society?

A.Suspicion involves fear of some technology that is not completely known.
B.Suspicion leads to aggressive rejection of a technology.
C.Suspicion makes it impossible to convince people of the benefits of a technology.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Suspicion can obstruct open dialogue and sound decision-making about technological innovations, leading to either aggressive rejection or ignorance of potential benefits. Healthy skepticism, in contrast, suggests careful and rational assessment of ethical risks. Open communication and a balanced view of technology's benefits and challenges are crucial in coping with the pace of technological change and associated ethical dilemmas.

Step-by-step explanation:

Suspicion is a pitfall in communicating ethical risks to society because it can undermine the process of constructive dialogue and informed decision-making regarding technological advancements. Suspicion often stems from a lack of understanding and fear of the unknown. When new technologies emerge, such as artificial intelligence, there can be significant ethical dilemmas that society must confront. Yet, suspicion can hinder open-minded evaluation and lead to premature rejection or unwarranted fear of the innovation.

Suspicion falls short as a response when contrasted with healthy skepticism, which implies a careful, rational assessment before forming conclusions about technological risks. Instead, suspicion may result in either aggressive rejection or an inability to appreciate the potential benefits, potentially leading to missed opportunities for ethical and effective utilization of technology. It often reflects deeper concerns about the pace of technological change, data privacy issues, and the ability of society to adapt and cooperate in the face of rapid innovation.

Nonetheless, while acknowledgment and anticipation of risks are critical, open communication benefits from moving beyond suspicion to a balanced and informed discourse on both the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies. This includes recognizing the value of advancements while maintaining vigilance against misuse and ensuring proper checks and balances are in place to protect individual rights and societal well-being.

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