In the technology-driven world, rationality without ethics has created a situation where societies are less-open today.
With an increasing demand of technology-driven efficiency in the business, so-called “inefficient” forms of government—like democracy—are often suspended or eroded, said noted Canadian essayist and novelist John Ralston Saul.
“If we look at the history, we might find that there is no clear ethical advantage in technology,” he said.
Saul was speaking at a programme on “Technology and the Rise of Authoritarianism” organised by the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh at its Dhanmondi Campus on Sunday.
In a wide-ranging speach that was both spontaneous and erudite, Saul outlined the interplay between authoritarian and democratic views of the world.
The same technology which may be used in health care to protect life, can also take away many lives, he said adding that corporations and governments often use the excuse of “overall progress” to trample basic human rights.
Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed, vice president of ULAB Board of Trustees, delivered the opening speech and introduced Saul to the audience at the programme.
ULAB Pro-vice Chancellor Professor HM Jahirul Haque, Registrar Lt Col (Retd) Md Foyzul Islam faculty members, and students, among others, attended the programme.