Ethical Tech: A Broad and Complicated Issue
By Coby Barbar
After reading “Necessary and Sufficient Condition” by Wole Talabi, I was able to view the possible effects of artificial intelligence and technological advancement differently. Talabi makes it clear, through the explanation of necessary and sufficient conditions, that to truly evaluate the influence of technology one must evaluate its cost as well, including social costs, ethical costs, and whether or not this technology is inclusive. Talabi's introduction of neural implants that are inputted into human brains and have the ability to control the bodies hormones and endorphins and influence the person's thoughts was interesting to me. Yemi, the main character, is influenced by notifications and alerts from this device and the technology controls how he feels and behaves. This technology raises many questions of ethical concern. What would happen the device malfunctioned and uncontrollably altered endorphins in the body? Could this neural implant lead to lack of individual intelligence or even brain deterioration if it didn't allow the brain to be exercised enough? This technology relates to another novel I read, called Feed, in which it explores a similar technological advance that allows for a constant feed of information and propaganda to be inputted directly into one's brain. It cannot be turned off and it creates a society of little intelligence and very little individual thought. The main characters are worried about little other than what is presented on their feeds. While technological advance is critical to improvements in society one must weigh the consequences as well, as these technological advances could have detrimental effects.
However, in Talabi's work, it can be inferred that technological advance allows societies to be more powerful and those without certain technologies are often powerless. This is in reference to racial subjection and the inability for other nations to advance technologically as quickly as Western nations. Afrofuturism is explored, as the professor justifies his choice because he wants to allow the people of Nigeria to have a chance to experience technologies. Africa has been neglected and many believe that it has no chance of becoming a technological leader. Therefore, the professor feels that technological action is necessary in order for Africa to feel included in this rapid scientific advancement.
It is clear that the past and history had a large influence on the professor's decision to give up his wife, in order to hopefully provide a better future for his people (and his son), through technological innovation. Past history is embedded in to everyone's decisions and ultimately this work explores the way in which technology guides history. Ultimately, the professor's decision is debatable, but the basis of this work by Talabi is to explore and evaluate the cost of technological advance. In addition, technology should be considered from multiple points of views, to ensure inclusivity, and be evaluated carefully.