Rational Thought Of Utilitarianism Technology Assessment And Democratic Procedure Technology Assessment

Technology Assessment is a new discipline in China. This paper has conducted a study on the theory in this field, which on the one hand is a tentative probe and on the other is fundamental effort to introduce theories on Technology Assessment from domestic and foreign experts. At the beginning of this paper a discussion on the philosophical foundation of Technology Assessment theory has been carried out from three perspectives, including the definition of Technology Assessment, the relationship between Technology Assessment and the nature of technology and the relationship between Technology Assessment and technology ethics. This paper also introduces the history and present situation of Technology Assessment, as well as the major experts and mainstream theories in this field. Moreover the methods and characteristics of the present Technology Assessment activities have also been introduced. In the following part, this paper makes systemic analysis, discussion and objective judgment on traditional utilitarianism Technology Assessment theory. Then, this paper illustrates briefly the traditional utilitarianism Technology Assessment theory and key experts and characteristics with analysis. This paper also introduces a different branch of Technology Assessment theory from utilitarianism Technology Assessment theory which is known as democratic procedure Technology Assessment theory. Besides, this paper has done research on the contents and meanings of democratic procedure Technology Assessment theory. In the last part, this paper has conducted a tentative research on the practical significance of Technology Assessment and leads to a conclusion. If technology assessment can be implemented under the present social, political and economic environment in China, it would cast positive effects onto our socialism construction.