Question

Green Technology Mandates The chapter Inside the Industry box discusses e-paper—an erasable, reusable alternative to traditional paper and ink. While e-paper has many societal benefits (such as reducing the use of traditional paper and ink and the resources needed to create and dispose of them), it has been slow to catch on. When a new technology, such as e-paper, that has obvious benefits to society is developed, who (if anyone) should be responsible for making sure it gets implemented in a timely fashion? Do we, as a society, have an ethical responsibility to ensure the new product succeeds? Should the government mandate the use of beneficial technology? Will businesses or individuals choose to use e-paper products if the only incentive is a cleaner environment? Would you be willing to switch to a new technology (such as e-paper) that is beneficial to society if it costs more than the existing technology? Is it ethical for an industry or the government to mandate the use of new technologies if they create an additional cost or inconvenience to individuals?

Answer 1

Responsibility for implementing new technologies like e-paper lies with corporations, individuals, and governments.

Governments can incentivize or regulate to promote societal benefits, while corporations and individuals play a role based on economic and ethical considerations, respectively.

The balance between societal good and personal choice is pivotal in the adoption of new technologies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical commitment to society's betterment might suggest a collective effort to support innovations that are environmentally friendly, like e-paper. Yet, it is important to balance this with economic realities and personal choices.

Corporations, individuals, and governments all hold a degree of responsibility in embracing technologies that provide societal benefits.

Corporations may be motivated by the innovation's potential for positive externalities and the possibility of gaining a competitive advantage.

Individuals might choose to adopt e-paper driven by environmental concerns or the desire for technological advancement despite potential cost implications. Governments can play a pivotal role by encouraging research, providing incentives, or setting regulations that align with societal good, as seen with the EU and California's regulations on electronics.

However, with the introduction of any new technology, there are ethical considerations, especially when discussing mandates and the burden of additional costs or inconvenience to individuals.

Ultimately, the momentum for a new technology to be widely adopted often relies on a complex interplay between market forces, individual values, and public policy, as outlined in discussions about positive externalities, public goods, and government intervention in innovation.