Co-evolution of Technology and Society: Value Tensions, Ethical Critical Thinking and Risk Construction

Against the backdrop where technology is deeply integrated into social life, clarifying the interactive relationship between technology and society as well as its value dimensions is of vital importance. Based on two theoretical perspectives, namely technological determinism and co-evolution theory, this paper systematically discusses the mutual influences between technology and society with specific cases including artificial intelligence and gene editing. The research reveals that technology can boost economic development and transform lifestyles, yet it may also trigger environmental crises and ethical dilemmas. Meanwhile, social demands, policies and regulations, and cultural concepts profoundly shape the developmental trajectory of technology. On this basis, the paper underscores the necessity of fostering a critical mindset, and proposes practical strategies such as educational guidance and policy regulation to balance the positive and negative effects of technology. It provides theoretical references and practical approaches for addressing technological challenges and achieving sustainable development.

Keywords: Engineering Ethics, Technology and Society, Critical Thinking, Technological Ethics, Risk Construction.