issue88 “永不言弃”互改小组第十六次作业 9号

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88、Technologies not only influence but actually determine social customs and ethics

No one can fail to notice the fact that technology is probably the significant factor to touch all aspects of human civilization -from agricultural and industrial development to the cultural and religious values embedded in society ,from communication to education, any areas of our lives has been affected greatly, including social customs and ethics. However, in my opinion, I don't agree that technologies determine our social customs and ethics.

Admittedly, modern revolution of science and technology has caused enormous influences on the whole world, which also has profound significance on social customs and ethics, As we review history, women were not allow to work outside home in feudal society, yet with the development of technology and industry they started to alter the traditional view having courage to do all kinds of work in workhouse, hospital, offices, even government like men. It turns out that Change has occurred in the concept of independence, employment, political participation, oriented role, family and marriage, childbirth and health. Another instance, Science is a kind of sharp weapon to destroy feudalistic superstition and eradicate evil religions.

However, we can't conclude that the technology will determinate the customs and ethics which are made up of profound sympathy and the high moral sense of responsibility, observe law and discipline, honesty and faith. It is the fact that the nature and the essence of customs and ethics as the basic principle of society is the people's baseline of morality will not change despite the technology has been playing an increasingly curial role in many areas of modern society, they are all the most important and consistent aspects of customs and ethics.

Without the limit of customs and ethics, it is possible that the technology and science will development in a dangerous way, which may bring harmful influence to human beings. To clone humans, not only have not any benefits to society but also would be unethical. It goes without saying that the appearance of clones will lead to the immense changes of this world, from religion, morals, ethnics, law to family, and the relationships between humans. Besides, the research of mass-destructive weapons and biological and chemical weapons may threat to human health and safety，which also damage the customs and ethics . Thus, overlook the importance of customs and ethical will hamper human being progress and even involved in crushing calamity,

Finally, we should make the hasty generalization that technologies determine social customs and ethics. Culture and economy play more vital roles than technology in determining social customs and ethic. As an area with comparatively developed economy and culture in Qing dynasty, folk customs in the south of the river and sure representative for other areas.

To sum up, technology is just the tool of human beings, although the development of modern technology has impacted many areas of our society, it is obvious that the customs and ethics, traditional value, will through all eternity