Technology significantly affects human ability to control and adapt to their natural environments. Recent technological developments, including the telephone and the Internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. However, various implementations of technology influence the values of a society and new technology often raises ethical questions.
The Descartes Institute encourages research and studies on these issues. Our focus is on emerging technologies which represent progressive developments within a field. However, the opinion on the degree of impact, status, and economic viability of several emerging technologies vary. DI contributes to the ongoing public policy debate over many emerging technologies and their implications for society.
