Ethics & Technology
Ten lessons exploring the meaning and purpose of ethics, major ethical approaches, today’s technological dilemmas, and how to build a thoughtful ethical foundation and personal character in an age of rapid change.
About the Instructor
Dr. Todd Eklof, founder of Singularity Sanctuary, brings a unique blend of experience in communications, philosophy, and emerging technology. He is a certified member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association and a graduate of the Singularity University Executive Program.
Ethics is Character and Must be Learned: Ethics is not merely a set of rules, but the development of character—what we reliably do even when no one is watching. This lesson explores ethics as the foundation of who we become, not just what we decide.
Three Ways to Decide What's Right: This lesson introduces the major ethical approaches—deontological, teleological, and virtue ethics—while showing how each can both guide and mislead us. It emphasizes the need for a deeper grounding in character to navigate complex moral decisions.
An Argument for Adopting the Humanistic Ethic: Ethics is not merely a set of rules, but the development of character—what we reliably do even when no one is watching. This lesson explores ethics as the foundation of who we become, not just what we decide.
Ethics, Economics, and Human Welfare: Building on classical approaches, this lesson presents the humanistic ethic: a moral framework centered on human welfare and individual flourishing. It offers a compelling argument for why this approach provides the most coherent and compassionate guide for modern life.
Work, Meaning, and Human Dignity: Work has long been tied to identity and worth, but this connection is cultural, not absolute. As technology reshapes labor, this lesson asks what work is truly for and how we can preserve meaning and dignity in a changing world.
Education, Learning, Character & the Use of AI: As artificial intelligence transforms education, this lesson examines how we can use these tools to enhance learning without undermining critical thinking and personal growth. It reframes education as the cultivation of minds, not just the transmission of information.
Housing | Shelter, Stability, and Human Dignity: Innovations like 3D-printed housing offer new solutions to old problems, but also raise ethical questions about access, regulation, and environmental impact. This lesson considers how we balance progress with responsibility to create livable, equitable communities.
Artificial Intelligence | Agency, Autonomy, and Alignment: AI reflects human values and amplifies human intentions, making ethical alignment essential. This lesson explores how we can guide AI development to support human dignity, accountability, and flourishing rather than bias, control, or harm.
Entrepreneurship | Power, Responsibility, and the Human Future: With the power to scale ideas comes the responsibility to consider their broader impact. This lesson examines how entrepreneurs and innovators can align growth with ethical responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
The Humanistic Ethic | A Compass for an Exponential Age: The technological singularity is not just a technical milestone, but a moral turning point. This final lesson argues that our future will be shaped not by intelligence alone, but by the values we choose to guide it.