P.E. Vermaas
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1
This exploratory thematic review examines the emerging landscape of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) education. It reviews 17 peer-reviewed studies published over the past two decades, using the PRISMA methodology. These studies were categorized into four themes to identify recurring successes and obstacles. The review highlights several successful practices, including the contextualization of RRI, promotion of reflexivity, participatory methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and instances of institutional integration. Simultaneously, it uncovers persistent obstacles such as conceptual ambiguity, institutional resistance, scalability limitations, and the difficulty of translating abstract RRI principles into measurable competencies. The relations between some of these obstacles suggests a vicious reinforcing cycle that hinders progress in RRI education. We argue that resolving conceptual and definitional ambiguities could foster a more coherent and sustainable RRI education.
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This exploratory thematic review examines the emerging landscape of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) education. It reviews 17 peer-reviewed studies published over the past two decades, using the PRISMA methodology. These studies were categorized into four themes to identify recurring successes and obstacles. The review highlights several successful practices, including the contextualization of RRI, promotion of reflexivity, participatory methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and instances of institutional integration. Simultaneously, it uncovers persistent obstacles such as conceptual ambiguity, institutional resistance, scalability limitations, and the difficulty of translating abstract RRI principles into measurable competencies. The relations between some of these obstacles suggests a vicious reinforcing cycle that hinders progress in RRI education. We argue that resolving conceptual and definitional ambiguities could foster a more coherent and sustainable RRI education.
Journal article
(2026)
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Aletta L. Meinsma, Casper J. Albers, Pieter Vermaas, Ionica Smeets, Julia Cramer
Engaging a larger, non-specialist audience with quantum technology poses challenges as the theory underlying quantum technology is very different to what we experience in our everyday lives. Quantum technology is predicted to have a significant impact on society once it matures. This study (n=637 adults representative of the Dutch population) examined the effect of different frames on engagement – specifically, information seeking, internal efficacy, general interest and perceived knowledge – with quantum technology. The different frames were: enigmatic, explaining quantum physics, benefit, risk and balanced. Results indicated that framing quantum as enigmatic does not affect engagement, while explaining quantum physics positively influences general interest. Furthermore, emphasising a benefit of quantum technology increases participants’ internal efficacy, whereas highlighting both a benefit and a risk of quantum technology decreases perceived knowledge. Based on these findings, we offer practical advice for science communicators in the field and suggest further research.
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Engaging a larger, non-specialist audience with quantum technology poses challenges as the theory underlying quantum technology is very different to what we experience in our everyday lives. Quantum technology is predicted to have a significant impact on society once it matures. This study (n=637 adults representative of the Dutch population) examined the effect of different frames on engagement – specifically, information seeking, internal efficacy, general interest and perceived knowledge – with quantum technology. The different frames were: enigmatic, explaining quantum physics, benefit, risk and balanced. Results indicated that framing quantum as enigmatic does not affect engagement, while explaining quantum physics positively influences general interest. Furthermore, emphasising a benefit of quantum technology increases participants’ internal efficacy, whereas highlighting both a benefit and a risk of quantum technology decreases perceived knowledge. Based on these findings, we offer practical advice for science communicators in the field and suggest further research.
Ethical playgrounds
Unveiling a serious game for technology ethics within the TechEthos project
Journal article
(2026)
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Wenzel Mehnert, Michael J. Bernstein, Steven Umbrello, Alexandra Csabi, Masafumi Nishi, Renata Mandzhieva, Greta Alliaj, Pieter E. Vermaas
In this article, we present the TechEthos Game: Ages of Technology Impacts, a serious game rooted in the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project TechEthos. This game is built to support public reflection and perspectives on the social and ethical issues of new and emerging technologies, and to surface and collect participants’ awareness, attitudes, and values towards specific technology families. The TechEthos Game offers an immersive exploration of the interplay between emerging technologies and their societal implications by inviting players to discuss and reflect on ethically aligned technological futures. Within the game, participants are invited to take on the role of the “Citizen World Council,” tasked with the duty of guiding the trajectory of global technology. Through iterative decision-making processes, players grapple with the dual objectives of technological progression and societal well-being, ensuring that the balance does not tilt perilously towards either side, and expressing preferable solutions for mitigating risks. On the one hand, the game’s design demands continuous assessment and proactive intervention from players; on the other hand, it asks them to articulate their excitement and concerns regarding the four emerging technologies: climate engineering, digital extended reality, natural language processing, and neurotechnologies. In this paper, we discuss the process of designing a serious game for qualitative and participatory research, present the results from the game, and reflect on lessons learned from using a serious game as a citizen engagement activity.
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In this article, we present the TechEthos Game: Ages of Technology Impacts, a serious game rooted in the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project TechEthos. This game is built to support public reflection and perspectives on the social and ethical issues of new and emerging technologies, and to surface and collect participants’ awareness, attitudes, and values towards specific technology families. The TechEthos Game offers an immersive exploration of the interplay between emerging technologies and their societal implications by inviting players to discuss and reflect on ethically aligned technological futures. Within the game, participants are invited to take on the role of the “Citizen World Council,” tasked with the duty of guiding the trajectory of global technology. Through iterative decision-making processes, players grapple with the dual objectives of technological progression and societal well-being, ensuring that the balance does not tilt perilously towards either side, and expressing preferable solutions for mitigating risks. On the one hand, the game’s design demands continuous assessment and proactive intervention from players; on the other hand, it asks them to articulate their excitement and concerns regarding the four emerging technologies: climate engineering, digital extended reality, natural language processing, and neurotechnologies. In this paper, we discuss the process of designing a serious game for qualitative and participatory research, present the results from the game, and reflect on lessons learned from using a serious game as a citizen engagement activity.
Quantum Security Threat Discovery
A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Discovering Security Risks of Quantum Sensing at the Port of Moerdijk
Journal article
(2025)
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Steven Umbrello, Pieter E. Vermaas, Indika Kumara, Joost Alleblas, Stefan Driessen, Willem Jan van den Heuvel
This paper investigates the application of Security Threat Discovery Cards (STDCs) for identifying security risks in quantum sensing technologies within port security contexts. With the advent of quantum technologies, organizations and stakeholders face the challenge to explore and assess the impact of the applications these technologies will bring. This exploration faces the perceived incomprehensibility of quantum technologies, and suggests a preliminary step aimed at understanding these technologies. Our results suggest that organizations and companies considering the application of quantum technology can skip this preliminary step and independently identify their main risks of quantum applications in a nuanced manner. Our case is an exploration of quantum sensing application by Port security personnel with the STDCs. The research consisted of two independent empirical studies: a workshop with Port of Moerdijk personnel using STDCs and semi-structured interviews with security experts. The comparative analysis of the findings from these studies demonstrates the STDCs’ efficacy in revealing with the Port’s personnel assessment of nuanced risks beyond the experts’ foresight. For example, the interviews with experts raised concerns regarding governance, ethical implications, and the human factor in quantum technology integration. The workshop with personnel not only suggested similar concerns but also uncovered additional risks, including socio-technical threats and broader societal impacts.
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This paper investigates the application of Security Threat Discovery Cards (STDCs) for identifying security risks in quantum sensing technologies within port security contexts. With the advent of quantum technologies, organizations and stakeholders face the challenge to explore and assess the impact of the applications these technologies will bring. This exploration faces the perceived incomprehensibility of quantum technologies, and suggests a preliminary step aimed at understanding these technologies. Our results suggest that organizations and companies considering the application of quantum technology can skip this preliminary step and independently identify their main risks of quantum applications in a nuanced manner. Our case is an exploration of quantum sensing application by Port security personnel with the STDCs. The research consisted of two independent empirical studies: a workshop with Port of Moerdijk personnel using STDCs and semi-structured interviews with security experts. The comparative analysis of the findings from these studies demonstrates the STDCs’ efficacy in revealing with the Port’s personnel assessment of nuanced risks beyond the experts’ foresight. For example, the interviews with experts raised concerns regarding governance, ethical implications, and the human factor in quantum technology integration. The workshop with personnel not only suggested similar concerns but also uncovered additional risks, including socio-technical threats and broader societal impacts.
In this study, we explore the complexities and implications of connecting quantum computers. This connection is in the literature seen as an obvious and fast way forward to arrive at a large quantum computer that can deliver the promises of quantum computing. We explore this option by understanding the conditions and contexts under which different scenarios of connecting these computers are most beneficial for quantum computer owners, be it for practical gains or moral considerations. “Introduction” and “Quantum Computing” Sections introduce quantum computing, laying out the broader framework of our study. Then “Connecting Quantum Computers” Section delineates three scenarios for connecting quantum computers: no connection, a connection that is “blind” for the uses of the linked systems, and a “governed connection” in which these uses are subjected to rules. These scenarios are evaluated against five criteria: the ability of computer owners to leverage quantum strengths (quantum advantage), the benefits of cooperative efforts for owners (collaboration gain), ensuring equitable benefits between owners (equality), maintaining clarity and openness about the connection to the owners (transparency), and preserving the independence and self-direction of the computer owners (autonomy). The evaluation does not single out a scenario as the clear winner. Rather, it reveals two significant moral trade-offs, showing that no one scenario is best for all situations. As a result, the choice of which trade-offs to accept and which scenario to choose depends greatly on the context. To highlight this, “Ethical Analysis of Scenarios” Section offers a detailed example for each of the three scenarios, explaining the reasons for choosing a particular option for each trade-off given the specific situation.
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In this study, we explore the complexities and implications of connecting quantum computers. This connection is in the literature seen as an obvious and fast way forward to arrive at a large quantum computer that can deliver the promises of quantum computing. We explore this option by understanding the conditions and contexts under which different scenarios of connecting these computers are most beneficial for quantum computer owners, be it for practical gains or moral considerations. “Introduction” and “Quantum Computing” Sections introduce quantum computing, laying out the broader framework of our study. Then “Connecting Quantum Computers” Section delineates three scenarios for connecting quantum computers: no connection, a connection that is “blind” for the uses of the linked systems, and a “governed connection” in which these uses are subjected to rules. These scenarios are evaluated against five criteria: the ability of computer owners to leverage quantum strengths (quantum advantage), the benefits of cooperative efforts for owners (collaboration gain), ensuring equitable benefits between owners (equality), maintaining clarity and openness about the connection to the owners (transparency), and preserving the independence and self-direction of the computer owners (autonomy). The evaluation does not single out a scenario as the clear winner. Rather, it reveals two significant moral trade-offs, showing that no one scenario is best for all situations. As a result, the choice of which trade-offs to accept and which scenario to choose depends greatly on the context. To highlight this, “Ethical Analysis of Scenarios” Section offers a detailed example for each of the three scenarios, explaining the reasons for choosing a particular option for each trade-off given the specific situation.
From Practice To Theory
Three Types of Influence of Quantum Technology on Quantum Mechanics and its Foundations
Although quantum reality is often discussed as notoriously difficult to comprehend, quantum mechanics is applied with increasing success in the development of quantum technologies. In this paper, we collect and organise views on the influence of quantum technology on quantum mechanics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. We distinguish three types of influence: quantum technology helps in (1) understanding, (2) developing, and (3) evaluating quantum mechanics and its foundations. We outline several illustrations of these types by introducing examples. By mapping the influence of research and engineering practices in quantum technology on quantum mechanics and its foundations, this paper illuminates the interaction between the two areas. This paper suggests both how technological practices can aid in long-standing theoretical debates on understanding quantum mechanics, and how investigating the relation between quantum technology and quantum mechanics can inform understanding in the philosophy of science on the interaction between science and technology in general.
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Although quantum reality is often discussed as notoriously difficult to comprehend, quantum mechanics is applied with increasing success in the development of quantum technologies. In this paper, we collect and organise views on the influence of quantum technology on quantum mechanics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. We distinguish three types of influence: quantum technology helps in (1) understanding, (2) developing, and (3) evaluating quantum mechanics and its foundations. We outline several illustrations of these types by introducing examples. By mapping the influence of research and engineering practices in quantum technology on quantum mechanics and its foundations, this paper illuminates the interaction between the two areas. This paper suggests both how technological practices can aid in long-standing theoretical debates on understanding quantum mechanics, and how investigating the relation between quantum technology and quantum mechanics can inform understanding in the philosophy of science on the interaction between science and technology in general.
This paper explores possibilities for creating a code of conduct for practitioners working in technology ethics. The number of technology ethics practitioners is growing when including ethicists embedded in research projects on technology, members of research ethics committees who assess the consequences of technological research, ethicists advising companies, and facilitators in moral/societal exploration through workshops, games, and brainstorm sessions. And, it is not just assessment what technology ethics practitioners do, but increasingly also the guidance of technology development through processes like responsible research and innovation, ethics by design, and design for values. Our exploratory is initial, and this paper may be seen as a position paper. It focusses on preliminary issues such as identifying the types of ethics practitioners the code can be for, the roles the code can play for these practitioners, charting controversies it should address, and the (institutional) arrangements needed for making a code effective.
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This paper explores possibilities for creating a code of conduct for practitioners working in technology ethics. The number of technology ethics practitioners is growing when including ethicists embedded in research projects on technology, members of research ethics committees who assess the consequences of technological research, ethicists advising companies, and facilitators in moral/societal exploration through workshops, games, and brainstorm sessions. And, it is not just assessment what technology ethics practitioners do, but increasingly also the guidance of technology development through processes like responsible research and innovation, ethics by design, and design for values. Our exploratory is initial, and this paper may be seen as a position paper. It focusses on preliminary issues such as identifying the types of ethics practitioners the code can be for, the roles the code can play for these practitioners, charting controversies it should address, and the (institutional) arrangements needed for making a code effective.
Communities of quantum technologies
Stakeholder identification, legitimation and interaction
This paper focuses on stakeholder identification as per the value sensitive design (VSD) approach applied to the context of quantum technologies (QT) and contributes to a better understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the QT landscape. We provide two comprehensive lists of stakeholders as starting points for VSD researchers and practitioners. These lists encompass a diverse range of organizations, including private companies, government agencies, NGOs, partnerships and professional/trade organizations. Our aim is to facilitate the recognition, legitimation and understanding of stakeholder interactions in the development of QT. These stakeholder lists lay a foundation for designing and implementing policies and strategies that promote the ethical and responsible development of QT, considering the values and interests of various stakeholders. Furthermore, these lists enable empirical and technical studies on specific QT innovations using an ethics-by-design approach like VSD.
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This paper focuses on stakeholder identification as per the value sensitive design (VSD) approach applied to the context of quantum technologies (QT) and contributes to a better understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the QT landscape. We provide two comprehensive lists of stakeholders as starting points for VSD researchers and practitioners. These lists encompass a diverse range of organizations, including private companies, government agencies, NGOs, partnerships and professional/trade organizations. Our aim is to facilitate the recognition, legitimation and understanding of stakeholder interactions in the development of QT. These stakeholder lists lay a foundation for designing and implementing policies and strategies that promote the ethical and responsible development of QT, considering the values and interests of various stakeholders. Furthermore, these lists enable empirical and technical studies on specific QT innovations using an ethics-by-design approach like VSD.
The rapid growth of quantum technologies requires an increasing number of physicists, computer scientists, and engineers who can work on these technologies. For educating these professionals, quantum mechanics should stop being perceived as incomprehensible. In this paper we contribute to this change by presenting a pedagogical model for explaining Grover's search algorithm, a prominent quantum algorithm. This model visualizes the three main steps of Grover's algorithm and, in addition to explaining the algorithm itself, introduces three key principles of quantum mechanics: superposition, interference, and state collapse at measurement. The pedagogical model, visualized by a video, is called the ant colony maze model. It represents the search problems as finding the exit of a maze, and visualizes Grover's search algorithm as a strategy by which a colony of ants finds that exit.
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The rapid growth of quantum technologies requires an increasing number of physicists, computer scientists, and engineers who can work on these technologies. For educating these professionals, quantum mechanics should stop being perceived as incomprehensible. In this paper we contribute to this change by presenting a pedagogical model for explaining Grover's search algorithm, a prominent quantum algorithm. This model visualizes the three main steps of Grover's algorithm and, in addition to explaining the algorithm itself, introduces three key principles of quantum mechanics: superposition, interference, and state collapse at measurement. The pedagogical model, visualized by a video, is called the ant colony maze model. It represents the search problems as finding the exit of a maze, and visualizes Grover's search algorithm as a strategy by which a colony of ants finds that exit.
European technological protectionism and the risk of moral isolationism
The case of quantum technology development
In this editorial, we engage with the European Commission's 2023 recommendation calling for risk assessment with Member States on four critical technology areas, including quantum technology. A particular emphasis is put on the risks associated with technology security and technology leakage. Such risks may lead to protectionist measures. Mobilising European normative anchor points that inform the “right impacts” of research and innovation, we argue that a protectionist approach on the part of the European Union can lead to moral isolationism. This, in turn, can limit Europe's contribution to global development with respect to technological advances, sustainable development and quality of life. We contend that decisions on protectionism around quantum technology should not be made with a protectionist mindset about European values.
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In this editorial, we engage with the European Commission's 2023 recommendation calling for risk assessment with Member States on four critical technology areas, including quantum technology. A particular emphasis is put on the risks associated with technology security and technology leakage. Such risks may lead to protectionist measures. Mobilising European normative anchor points that inform the “right impacts” of research and innovation, we argue that a protectionist approach on the part of the European Union can lead to moral isolationism. This, in turn, can limit Europe's contribution to global development with respect to technological advances, sustainable development and quality of life. We contend that decisions on protectionism around quantum technology should not be made with a protectionist mindset about European values.
Dealing with Wicked Problems
Normative Paradigms for Design Thinking
Wicked problems, such as climate change, poverty, and antibiotic resistance, are ethical problems, as moral plurality about the social good is one of their constituting factors. Although wicked problems cannot be fully solved, they are urgent and demand intervention. While design thinking was suggested in the 1990s to deal with wicked problems, it is still an open question how it can address moral plurality. In this article, we consider how design thinking can address moral plurality in wicked problems. We propose that designers using design thinking can adopt four normative paradigms toward moral plurality, namely moral agnosticism (design for solutions), moral pragmatism (design for aggregated preferences), moral unificationism (design for community-created values), and transcendental moralism (design for The Good). Then, we argue that designers can address moral pluralism and deal with wicked problems within the first three approaches to normativity, provided that designers acknowledge that their responses to wicked problems may fail over time and require new design responses. Ignoring that possibility fits within the paradigm of transcendental moralism, which does not give designers the means to deal with wicked problems.
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Wicked problems, such as climate change, poverty, and antibiotic resistance, are ethical problems, as moral plurality about the social good is one of their constituting factors. Although wicked problems cannot be fully solved, they are urgent and demand intervention. While design thinking was suggested in the 1990s to deal with wicked problems, it is still an open question how it can address moral plurality. In this article, we consider how design thinking can address moral plurality in wicked problems. We propose that designers using design thinking can adopt four normative paradigms toward moral plurality, namely moral agnosticism (design for solutions), moral pragmatism (design for aggregated preferences), moral unificationism (design for community-created values), and transcendental moralism (design for The Good). Then, we argue that designers can address moral pluralism and deal with wicked problems within the first three approaches to normativity, provided that designers acknowledge that their responses to wicked problems may fail over time and require new design responses. Ignoring that possibility fits within the paradigm of transcendental moralism, which does not give designers the means to deal with wicked problems.
Ruimte voor wonen
Naar een integrale aanpak van de Nederlandse woonopgave
“De woningcrisis biedt kansen. De kans om een duurzaam en langdurig gezond woonklimaat te realiseren.”
Woningnood is geen nieuw verschijnsel in ons land. Al in de negentiende eeuw leidde snelle bevolkingsgroei en verstedelijking tot een huisvestingstekort; de woningwet van 1901 moest daar een eind aan maken. In de wederopbouwjaren na de tweede wereldoorlog kwam de woningbouw maar langzaam op gang. En in de jaren 80 van de vorige eeuw was ‘geen woning, geen kroning’ de leus van demonstranten die aandacht vroegen voor woningnood. ...
Woningnood is geen nieuw verschijnsel in ons land. Al in de negentiende eeuw leidde snelle bevolkingsgroei en verstedelijking tot een huisvestingstekort; de woningwet van 1901 moest daar een eind aan maken. In de wederopbouwjaren na de tweede wereldoorlog kwam de woningbouw maar langzaam op gang. En in de jaren 80 van de vorige eeuw was ‘geen woning, geen kroning’ de leus van demonstranten die aandacht vroegen voor woningnood. ...
“De woningcrisis biedt kansen. De kans om een duurzaam en langdurig gezond woonklimaat te realiseren.”
Woningnood is geen nieuw verschijnsel in ons land. Al in de negentiende eeuw leidde snelle bevolkingsgroei en verstedelijking tot een huisvestingstekort; de woningwet van 1901 moest daar een eind aan maken. In de wederopbouwjaren na de tweede wereldoorlog kwam de woningbouw maar langzaam op gang. En in de jaren 80 van de vorige eeuw was ‘geen woning, geen kroning’ de leus van demonstranten die aandacht vroegen voor woningnood.
Woningnood is geen nieuw verschijnsel in ons land. Al in de negentiende eeuw leidde snelle bevolkingsgroei en verstedelijking tot een huisvestingstekort; de woningwet van 1901 moest daar een eind aan maken. In de wederopbouwjaren na de tweede wereldoorlog kwam de woningbouw maar langzaam op gang. En in de jaren 80 van de vorige eeuw was ‘geen woning, geen kroning’ de leus van demonstranten die aandacht vroegen voor woningnood.
From speculation to reality
Enhancing anticipatory ethics for emerging technologies (ATE) in practice
Journal article
(2023)
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Steven Umbrello, Michael J. Bernstein, Pieter E. Vermaas, Anaïs Resseguier, Gustavo Gonzalez, Andrea Porcari, Alexei Grinbaum, Laurynas Adomaitis
Various approaches have emerged over the last several decades to meet the challenges and complexities of anticipating and responding to the potential impacts of emerging technologies. Although many of the existing approaches share similarities, they each have shortfalls. This paper takes as the object of its study Anticipatory Ethics for Emerging Technologies (ATE) to technology assessment, given that it was formatted to address many of the privations characterising parallel approaches. The ATE approach, also in practice, presents certain areas for retooling, such as how it characterises levels and objects of analysis. This paper results from the work done with the TechEthos Horizon 2020 project in evaluating the ethical, legal, and social impacts of climate engineering, digital extended reality, and neurotechnologies. To meet the challenges these technology families present, this paper aims to enhance the ATE framework to encompass the variety of human processes and material forms, functions, and applications that comprise the socio-technical systems in which these technologies are embedded.
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Various approaches have emerged over the last several decades to meet the challenges and complexities of anticipating and responding to the potential impacts of emerging technologies. Although many of the existing approaches share similarities, they each have shortfalls. This paper takes as the object of its study Anticipatory Ethics for Emerging Technologies (ATE) to technology assessment, given that it was formatted to address many of the privations characterising parallel approaches. The ATE approach, also in practice, presents certain areas for retooling, such as how it characterises levels and objects of analysis. This paper results from the work done with the TechEthos Horizon 2020 project in evaluating the ethical, legal, and social impacts of climate engineering, digital extended reality, and neurotechnologies. To meet the challenges these technology families present, this paper aims to enhance the ATE framework to encompass the variety of human processes and material forms, functions, and applications that comprise the socio-technical systems in which these technologies are embedded.
Theories of Technical Functions
Sophisticated Combinations of Three Archetypes
Functional claims about technical artefacts set a second stage on which theories of functions can prove themselves. We present a general framework for understanding theories of technical functions. In particular, we argue that theories of technical functions can be seen as sophisticated combinations of three archetypical accounts, which we call the intentional account, the causal-role account and the evolutionist account. These abstracted, general theories of functions apply to both biology and technology, all with their respective drawbacks and benefits. When focusing on technology these drawbacks and benefits appear complementary, suggesting that the archetypes can be combined into a tenable analysis of technical functions. We argue that straightforward combinations inherit the drawbacks of the archetypes or have new ones. Then, we show that three existing theories of technical functions – our own ICE theory and alternatives devised by Krohs and by Longy – can be taken as sophisticated combinations. In each theory, one of the archetypes is corrected by incorporating elements of the others. Finally, we consider the applicability of our three-archetype framework to function theories that apply to biology as well as to technology.
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Functional claims about technical artefacts set a second stage on which theories of functions can prove themselves. We present a general framework for understanding theories of technical functions. In particular, we argue that theories of technical functions can be seen as sophisticated combinations of three archetypical accounts, which we call the intentional account, the causal-role account and the evolutionist account. These abstracted, general theories of functions apply to both biology and technology, all with their respective drawbacks and benefits. When focusing on technology these drawbacks and benefits appear complementary, suggesting that the archetypes can be combined into a tenable analysis of technical functions. We argue that straightforward combinations inherit the drawbacks of the archetypes or have new ones. Then, we show that three existing theories of technical functions – our own ICE theory and alternatives devised by Krohs and by Longy – can be taken as sophisticated combinations. In each theory, one of the archetypes is corrected by incorporating elements of the others. Finally, we consider the applicability of our three-archetype framework to function theories that apply to biology as well as to technology.
As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.
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As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.
The European Union strives to align research and innovation to the values, needs and expectations of society to address societal challenges. To support this alignment the European Union endeavours to make Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) part of the governmental policies on science and technology of its member states. If the European Union is effective in this endeavour, then principles that are common in the field of RRI should play a significant role in the perspectives that belong to the member states’ policy officers for research and innovation. In this paper we empirically check this by conducting a Q-method study on Dutch policy officers working on quantum technology-related policies. In this study we found four perspectives on innovation among these policy officers. In all these perspectives some of the RRI principles are present in merely a weak manner, or even absent, casting substantial doubts on whether RRI has become part of the EU member state governmental policies on science and technology.
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The European Union strives to align research and innovation to the values, needs and expectations of society to address societal challenges. To support this alignment the European Union endeavours to make Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) part of the governmental policies on science and technology of its member states. If the European Union is effective in this endeavour, then principles that are common in the field of RRI should play a significant role in the perspectives that belong to the member states’ policy officers for research and innovation. In this paper we empirically check this by conducting a Q-method study on Dutch policy officers working on quantum technology-related policies. In this study we found four perspectives on innovation among these policy officers. In all these perspectives some of the RRI principles are present in merely a weak manner, or even absent, casting substantial doubts on whether RRI has become part of the EU member state governmental policies on science and technology.
De economische en nationale veiligheidsbelangen van Nederland worden beide gediend door snel toegang tot de eerste generaties van grotere operationele quantumcomputers. Het leveren van een sleutelbijdrage aan een Europees project voor het bouwen van deze quantumcomputers lijkt daarvoor het beste middel.
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De economische en nationale veiligheidsbelangen van Nederland worden beide gediend door snel toegang tot de eerste generaties van grotere operationele quantumcomputers. Het leveren van een sleutelbijdrage aan een Europees project voor het bouwen van deze quantumcomputers lijkt daarvoor het beste middel.
This contribution discusses the efficacy of design to realize the aims for which it is employed. Engineering design may be taken as effective in this sense, yet for design thinking as it is emerging in innovative design, social design, nudging, and design for values, this efficacy is not yet established. This contribution surveys the means available for evaluating the designs created by engineering and design thinking methods respectively, and explores how design methods for design thinking can be validated as guarantees for the effectiveness of design. Current work in design research may provide the future means for establishing that design thinking is indeed effective. It is argued that philosophy of technology should be involved in analyzing, understanding, and turning design thinking into a reliable means for realizing its aims. Until then, philosophers should critically monitor whether design thinking realizes the aims for which it is employed.
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This contribution discusses the efficacy of design to realize the aims for which it is employed. Engineering design may be taken as effective in this sense, yet for design thinking as it is emerging in innovative design, social design, nudging, and design for values, this efficacy is not yet established. This contribution surveys the means available for evaluating the designs created by engineering and design thinking methods respectively, and explores how design methods for design thinking can be validated as guarantees for the effectiveness of design. Current work in design research may provide the future means for establishing that design thinking is indeed effective. It is argued that philosophy of technology should be involved in analyzing, understanding, and turning design thinking into a reliable means for realizing its aims. Until then, philosophers should critically monitor whether design thinking realizes the aims for which it is employed.
Quantum Technologies and Society
Towards a Different Spin
Journal article
(2022)
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Christopher Coenen, Alexei Grinbaum, Armin Grunwald, Colin Milburn, Pieter Vermaas
Due primarily to technological advances over the last decade, quantum research has become a key priority area for science and technology policy all over the world. With this manifesto, we wish to prevent quantum technology from running into fiascos of implementation at the interface of science and society. To this end, we identify key stumbling blocks and propose recommendations.
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Due primarily to technological advances over the last decade, quantum research has become a key priority area for science and technology policy all over the world. With this manifesto, we wish to prevent quantum technology from running into fiascos of implementation at the interface of science and society. To this end, we identify key stumbling blocks and propose recommendations.
Quantum Computing
From Hardware to Society
This magazine is both an introduction into quantum computing and an exploration of its impact on our world. It follows on from our 2019 magazine on the quantum internet. Since 2019, much progress has been made in quantum technologies worldwide. In 2020, for instance, the first European quantum computer came online in Delft. Although this is meant for experiments only, it shows that quantum computing is becoming real. We aim to present you with a basic picture of quantum computing, and sketch applications for which it can be used. The contents are meant to be accessible, but some texts may be more suitable for readers with a basic understanding of quantum technology. Let that not be a reason to stop exploring: the magazine is meant to be browsed, so you can find the articles that help you learn about quantum computers. At TU Delft, we see it as our responsibility to investigate and inform you about the impact of the technologies we develop. Hence, we also explore the potential impact of quantum computing on the world: how the expected wave of applications may ripple through society. This exploration is partly guess-work. Quantum computing is a new technology and no doubt more applications will be discovered. Moreover, while as a university we are good at describing what quantum computing is, it will be future users who determine what meaning its applications will have. That is why we also asked the help of experts in and outside of academia when exploring the impact of quantum computing. This magazine is the result of the work by the Quantum Computing Vision Team. Vision teams are composed of TU Delft scientists and engineers from many disciplines, and with vision teams TU Delft participates in public discussions on technologies. We hope this magazine offers you insights of what quantum computing can bring, and invites you to become part of the discussion of how we can make quantum computing meaningful to you and to society.
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This magazine is both an introduction into quantum computing and an exploration of its impact on our world. It follows on from our 2019 magazine on the quantum internet. Since 2019, much progress has been made in quantum technologies worldwide. In 2020, for instance, the first European quantum computer came online in Delft. Although this is meant for experiments only, it shows that quantum computing is becoming real. We aim to present you with a basic picture of quantum computing, and sketch applications for which it can be used. The contents are meant to be accessible, but some texts may be more suitable for readers with a basic understanding of quantum technology. Let that not be a reason to stop exploring: the magazine is meant to be browsed, so you can find the articles that help you learn about quantum computers. At TU Delft, we see it as our responsibility to investigate and inform you about the impact of the technologies we develop. Hence, we also explore the potential impact of quantum computing on the world: how the expected wave of applications may ripple through society. This exploration is partly guess-work. Quantum computing is a new technology and no doubt more applications will be discovered. Moreover, while as a university we are good at describing what quantum computing is, it will be future users who determine what meaning its applications will have. That is why we also asked the help of experts in and outside of academia when exploring the impact of quantum computing. This magazine is the result of the work by the Quantum Computing Vision Team. Vision teams are composed of TU Delft scientists and engineers from many disciplines, and with vision teams TU Delft participates in public discussions on technologies. We hope this magazine offers you insights of what quantum computing can bring, and invites you to become part of the discussion of how we can make quantum computing meaningful to you and to society.