Digital society in ethical-axiological context: from postmodern to hi-tech society

Abstract

The object of this research is the modern digital society as a new civilizational level in development of humanity. The subject of this research is the evolution of ethical values and principles in the context of transition from postindustrial stage to information society, as well as ethical aspect of implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems into the realm of social management. The article familiarizes the audience with the Chinese system of social score – the largest social experiment on the basis of digital technologies, as well as with the trends and prospects of digitalization process in modern Russia. Having analyzed the national and foreign experience, the author demonstrates the risks of hurried implementation of digital solutions based on artificial intelligence without extensive ethical examination, point out the contradiction between scientific-technological and economic freedom, and the need for limiting these freedoms for the sake of human welfare. The conclusion is made that despite all advantages, digital technologies bear the risks of unethical usage of personal data and violation of privacy. Turning data into the product as a means for gaining profit, difficulties of legal regulation and control thereof, makes a human extremely vulnerable in the new digital world. Therefore, in the process of collection and processing of data, as well as in creation of robotic systems based on artificial intelligence, it is essential to adequately assess the risks and formulate ethical restrictions, which should be taken into account in their design and exploitation.