Collingridge dilemma

The Collingridge dilemma is a methodological quandary in the field of technology assessment and ethics, named after the British philosopher David Collingridge. It describes the inherent difficulty in predicting the social consequences of a new technology and the challenges in controlling or altering its development once it has become established.

Overview

The Collingridge dilemma is articulated in two main propositions:

1. The Information Problem: At the early stages of a technology's development, when it is most easily controlled or altered, the full range of its potential impacts cannot be accurately predicted. This is because the technology is not yet fully developed or widely used, and its interactions with society are not well understood.

1. The Control Problem: Once a technology becomes entrenched and its effects are more apparent, it becomes difficult and costly to change or regulate. This is due to the technology's integration into social, economic, and political systems, as well as the vested interests that may resist change.

The dilemma highlights the challenges faced by policymakers, ethicists, and technologists in managing the development and deployment of new technologies in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing harms.

Historical Context

David Collingridge introduced this concept in his 1980 book, The Social Control of Technology. He argued that traditional methods of technology assessment were inadequate because they failed to account for the dynamic and unpredictable nature of technological innovation.

Implications

The Collingridge dilemma has significant implications for technology policy and governance. It suggests that:

• Proactive Assessment: There is a need for more proactive and anticipatory approaches to technology assessment that can better account for uncertainty and complexity.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Policies and regulations should be designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for adjustments as more information becomes available.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging a broad range of stakeholders early in the development process can help identify potential impacts and areas of concern.

Criticism and Alternatives

Some critics argue that the Collingridge dilemma is overly pessimistic and that it underestimates the ability of societies to adapt to technological change. Others propose alternative frameworks, such as the concept of "responsible innovation," which emphasizes the role of ethical reflection and public engagement in guiding technological development.

Also see

• Technology assessment
• Ethics of technology
• Responsible innovation
• Social shaping of technology