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ES4.3 Technology embodies the values of the developers.
Technology transmits and
embodies assumptions and values when choices are made during the development stage. For
example, decisions to adopt particular standards, to use particular methods, to implement
particular features, to adhere to particular criteria, and even to design to the
specification are all value-laden decisions. In the case where value decisions can have
harmful effects, they then become ethical decisions which have to be considered. In the
larger sense we can make the case that it is unethical to ignore the values embedded in
technical artifacts when there is the possibility for harmful consequences.
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